Argid Sawflies

Argidae

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Family: Argidae

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Argidae: /ˈɑr.dʒɪ.daɪ.iː/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Atomacera ebena by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Sphacophilus orus by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Sphacophilus albicosta by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Sphacophilus triangularis by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Scobina paradorsalis by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Summary

Argidae is a large family of sawflies, containing around 800 species worldwide, primarily in tropical regions. The larvae are known to feed on a variety of plant materials but rarely become pests.

Physical Characteristics

Stout bodied, with distinctive three-segmented antennae; the third segment is very long; males of some species have the last antennal segment U- or Y-shaped.

Identification Tips

Argid larvae may be identified by divergent lobe next to the tarsal claw of each thoracic leg, one-segmented antenna which may be flat, rounded, or peglike, and abdominal segments 1 to 9 each with 3, sometimes 2, annulets.

Habitat

Worldwide, most diverse in the tropics; larvae are commonly found feeding on foliage of various kinds of ferns, horsetails, gymnosperms, and angiosperms.

Distribution

Primarily tropical regions, with about 60 species in the designated area.

Diet

Larvae feed mainly on foliage of various ferns, horsetails, gymnosperms, and angiosperms.

Life Cycle

Larvae can often be found feeding and pupating in groups; however, very few attain pest status.

Ecosystem Role

Phytophagous, feeding on plant foliage; play a role in the ecosystem by influencing plant population dynamics.

Economic Impact

Very few species attain pest status, indicating limited economic impact.

Evolution

Argidae is distinguished from other Symphyta by the reduction of the antenna to three segments, with the last one elongated often shaped like a tuning fork in males.