Saddleback Grass-cutter | Hainault Forest

Saddleback Grass-cutter

Eutomostethus ephippium

This species (4-6mm) frequents meadows where its larvae feed on soft grasses. It flies from May to August and there may be two broods a year. The black legs have a pale band around the joint of the femora and tibia. It is also known as the Black and Red Sawfly, however this species has two colour forms, the other version lacks red on the thorax and mesopleura and is mainly seen in northern England.

Female sawflies use saw-like ovipositors to cut into the plants to lay eggs, hence the common name 'Sawfly'. The main difference between sawflies and other Hymenoptera such as ants, bees, and wasps, is that adults lack a narrow waist.