Tenthredo maculata

This sawfly is a striking yellow wasp mimic, with a large bright yellow band across its abdomen, which is larger in the males. It also has yellow markings on the thorax, head and legs. Dark patches on wing margins. Length 12 to 16mm.

The larvae feed on grasses.

It flies May to late summer, and it is found along hedgerows and woodland rides, and in meadows where they maybe seen feeding and mating on umbelliferous flowers. A common and widespread species, except for the far north.

Photographs of Tenthredo maculata, taken June  2013, local woodland path, Staffordshire. © Pete Hillman 2013. Camera used Nikon Coolpix P500.