Length 7-11mm. A distinctive species, the male has pale yellow fore/mid-legs with red hind femora and black hind tibiae; it has a red band across three tergites of the abdomen. The female has darker yellow/orange fore/mid-legs and hind tibiae red apically; red banding is usually present across two tergites of the abdomen, along with some white lateral marks and a white mark dorsally on the apical tergite. The red bands on the abdomen are sometimes absent.

Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required showing the identifying characters.

Marshy areas and scrub.

May to June.

The larvae are reported to feed on Dewberry (Rubus caesius).

A local species across southern England, it can occur in numbers where it is found.

The record of 2020-06-13 is the first for VC55.

https://www.sawflies.org.uk/macrophya-rufipes/

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