Wheat Stem Borer - Cephus pygmeus

The abdomen is long and thin and is black with narrow yellow bands. The wings are clear with a dark stigma.

Cephus spinipes is very similar.

• More swollen antennal club (pre-apical segments broader than long)
• Hind tibia with darker markings on inner side at apex or over all of tibia
• Sawsheath protrudes inline with body profile when viewed side-on
• Claws bifid at the apex – the teeth being more or less parallel

Microscopic examination is necessary. Please comment how you reached an ID.

Around fields where wheat is grown.

Peak is June and July.

The larvae bore into the stems of wheat and a few other cereals and grasses.

Widespread and thought to be fairly frequent in England and Wales.

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.