Arge berberidis

Arge berberidis, common name berberis sawfly, is a species of sawflies belonging to the family Argidae subfamily Arginae.

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. Larvae show black head and a greyish body with many small black spots and some yellowish blotches.

Biology

Larvae are considered a severe pest causing defoliation in the host plants. Adults fly from June to August.

Distribution

This sawfly is present in most of Europe.

Habitat

These sawflies can be found on Mahonia and Berberis species.