Subfamily Athaliinae

Genus Athalia

Athalia ancilla [Benson's A. glabricollis] - a number of older reports, but the only recent record has been from Santon Downham in 2018.

Athalia bicolor - not noted in 19th century lists and Ken Durrant only noted from east Norfolk for 20th century. However, since 2007 recorded from East Walton Fen, Roydon Common, Wayland Wood, Castle Acre, Brandon, Catfield and Howe, so perhaps on the increase? All mid-May to early-June.

Athalia circularis [Benson's A. lineolata] - one of the commoner species, with a long flight-period from late-May to early-August. Widely recorded although with no records from the more northern parts of the county yet.

Athalia cordata - a common species, recorded widely across the county from early May to late September (possibly a gap in mid-June - could it be two or even three generations?)

[Athalia cornubiae - no records to date, noted to be rare by Benson]

Athalia liberta - noted during 20th century and more recent records have been from Wayland Wood, Shotesham, Norwich, Thetford and Buckenham; flight period so far appears to be from mid-May to late-June.

Athalia lugens - 19th and 20th century records, with more recent records from Lynford, Thompson Common, Wayland Wood, Thetford, Bayfield, Buckenham and Catfield, between early-May and mid-July.

Athalia rosae - the most frequently recorded sawfly in Norfolk at present, recorded widely since 2000 across the county. Larger numbers can be found at times on the coast, perhaps reflecting migration from the continent, and/or population explosions of locally reared insects. Recent records have spanned the period early-May to late-October. Interestingly, Benson notes that whilst it was a serious pest species in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, it became rare in the late 19th and early 20th century, before increasing again from the mid 20th century.

Athalia scutellariae - noted in the 20th century, but since 2000 the only confirmed records have been from Thetford (adults early-June to early-July) and Burgh Common (larvae mid-August); there is also an unverified record from Redgrave/Lopham Fens. The larvae of this species feeds on Skullcap, although it should be noted that adult Athalia species flying around Skullcap cannot be assumed to be this species; at the Thetford location, circularis, cordata, liberta and lugens have all been found in close proximity to scutellariae.