Rare sawfly found
Earlier this month our volunteer, Annabelle Hammond, found this awesome caterpillar whilst managing some of the willow. It turned out to be a very rare species called the willow sawfly (Cimbex luteus).
Sawflies get their name from the female’s saw-like genitalia, which are used to cut or drill into a host plant so she can lays her eggs inside.
Although rare, none of the sawfly family have a conservation status in the UK. This is because, they are regarded as a garden pest, as the larvae will feed on the plants they hatch within. Willow sawfly larvae eat willow, as the name suggests. Sawflies are related to wasps but don't sting.
