This sawfly is approximately 1/2 inch in length. It is entirely black with a bluish cast. The eyes are large and black. The black antennae are long and thick. The individual shown here is likely Dolerus nitens, as it is a common species and appears early in spring, but to be certain it should be examined under a microscope.
This species flies early in the spring and can be found around grasses. It also nectars on the flowers of hawthorne, willow and cherry. The individual pictured here was photographed on April 12th, 2009.
The flight of this species is slow and clumsy. The larvae feed on horsetails, grasses, sedges and rushes. They pupate in soil.
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