Rhogogaster viridis

Rhogogaster viridis can reach a body length of about 9–12 mm (0.35–0.47 in) in the female and 8.5–10 mm (0.33–0.39 in) in the male. Like other species in its genus, this sawfly has a light green head and body. The black markings on the head form two loops in a ∞-shape with two green, rectangular marks in front of the posterior ocelli. The wings are transparent, with the pterostigma uniformly yellowish-green. The legs are green with black bands. This species is separated from the allied R. scalaris in part by the entirely green, rather than black, postocellar carina and from R. polaris in part by the more strongly convex mesoscutellum. As in other sawflies, the female has a saw-like ovipositor.^[2]

This species is rather similar to Tenthredo olivacea Klug, 1814 and to other species within its complex, including R. scalaris (Klug, 1817) and R. chlorosoma (Benson, 1943).^[2]

Adults can be found from April to August.^{[citation needed]} They mainly feed on pollen and nectar, but, on sunny summer days, they hunt for insects and suck out their body fluids, feeding especially on Colorado Potato Beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata).^{[3][obsolete source]} The larvae are similar to caterpillars, but they have six true legs and several abdominal prolegs. They are phytophagous and feed on the leaves of Populus tremula.^[2]