Arge berberidis, common name berberis sawfly, is a species of sawflies belonging to the family Argidae subfamily Arginae.Biolib
Description Arge berberidis can reach a length of about . Adults have bluish-black head and body. Wings are brown. This species has saws-sheath shaped tong.Keys of species of Arge Larvae show black head and a greyish body with many small black spots and some yellowish blotches.Nature Spot
Biology Larvae are considered a severe pest causing defoliation in the host plants (Mahonia and Berberis).Frankenhuyzen, A. van; Blommers, L. H. M Arge berberidis, an invasive sawfly in the Netherlands (Hymenoptera: Argidae) Entomologische Berichten 2000 Vol. 60 No. 10 pp. 181-184C R Adams Principles of Horticulture Adults fly from June to August.
Distribution This sawfly is present in most of Europe (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Germany, Danish mainland, Spanish mainland, France, Greek mainland, Hungary, Italy, Macedonia, The Nederlands, Poland, Romania, European Russia, Slovakia, Ukraine, United Kingdom).Fauna europaea
Habitat These sawflies can be found on Mahonia and Berberis species.
References
Taeger, A., Blank, S. M. & Liston, A. D. 2010 - World Catalog of Symphyta (Hymenoptera). Zootaxa 2580: 1–1064. Magnolia Press, Auckland
External links British Nature Guide - An incomplete guide to the wildlife of Britain