Arge berberidis

Arge berberidis, common name berberis sawfly, is a species of sawflies belonging to the family Argidae subfamily Arginae.

Description
Arge berberidis can reach a length of about 9.2 mm. Adults have bluish-black head and body. Wings are brown. This species has saws-sheath shaped tong. Larvae show black head and a greyish body with many small black spots and some yellowish blotches.

Biology
Larvae are considered a severe pest causing defoliation in the host plants (Mahonia and Berberis). Adults fly from June to August.

Distribution
This sawfly is present in most of Europe (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Germany, Danish mainland, Spanish mainland, France, Greek mainland, Hungary, Italy, Macedonia, The Nederlands, Poland, Romania, European Russia, Slovakia, Ukraine, United Kingdom).

Habitat
These sawflies can be found on Mahonia and Berberis species.