Taxonus agrorum Fallén, 1808

Macek, Jan, 2010, Taxonomy, distribution and biology of selected European Dinax, Strongylogaster and Taxonus species (Hymenoptera: Symphyta), Acta Entomologica Musei Nationalis Pragae 50 (1), pp. 253-271 : 265

Taxonus agrorum Fallén, 1808

( Figs. 15 , 18)

Material examined. CZECH REPUBLIC: BOHEMIA or.: Hradčany env., Báň NR (5857), 31.v.2005, 2 larvae on Rubus caesius , breeding failed ; all J. Macek lgt. and det. ( NMPC) ; Orlické hory PLA: Pod Sfingou rock (5763), 25.viii.2004, 3 larvae on Rubus idaeus , 1 adult emerged 6.iv.2005; Bukačka NNR (5664), 26.viii.2004, 1 larva on Rubus idaeus , breeding failed.

Adult. Notes on identification. The diagnosis was given by MUCHE (1969) and the taxonomy was discussed by TAEGER (1986). From the similar T. sticticus , it differs by two medial cells on the hind wing in females and a closed peripheral vein on the hind wing in males. Habitus as in Fig. 15 .

Larva. Notes on identification. The diagnosis was given by LORENZ & KRAUS (1957). From the similar T. sticticus , T. agrorum differs by a blue-green ground colour with fine pruinose coating and two dark parietal spots on the head (Fig. 18). Moreover, the larvae feed exclusively on Rubus .

Bionomics. Mesophilous and silvicolous. Univoltine. Flight period from May to July; larval period from May to August. Host plants: Rubus idaeus , R. caesius , R. fruticosus (Rosaceae) ( LISTON 1995, LACOURT 1998).

Distribution. Palaearctic Region (widespread throughout Europe). Widespread in the Czech Republic in forest areas.

Figures

Figs.15–17. Taxonus Hartig, 1837, adults: 15 – T. agrorum Fallén, 1808; 16 – T. sticticus (Klug, 1817); 17 – T. alboscutellatus Niezabitowski, 1899. Scale: 10 mm.