Atomacera decepta
Rohwer, 1911
Hibiscus Sawfly, Mallow Sawfly
The hibiscus (Atomacera decepta) is a herbivorous sawfly in the that feeds primarily on members of the mallow family (Malvaceae). Despite its -like , it belongs to the (, , and ) rather than . The is known for causing significant damage to ornamental hibiscus, hollyhocks, and marsh-mallow, though it has not developed a strong preference for economically important like cotton or okra.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Atomacera decepta: /ˌætəˈmæsɛrə dɪˈsɛptə/
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Identification
Distinguished from true () by its membership in ; have more pairs of than lepidopteran caterpillars. Damage include shot holes in early stages progressing to shredded, skeletonized leaves with only remaining. are recognized by the combination of dark and bright orange in females.
Images
Habitat
Gardens, raingardens, swales, drainage channels, and natural areas where plants in the mallow (Malvaceae) occur. Associated with both cultivated ornamental plantings and wild stands of marsh-mallow.
Distribution
Found in eastern North America. Multiple occur annually, with up to six generations reported in southern states and fewer in Maryland and more northern regions.
Seasonality
Active during warm months; with summer temperatures, a may complete in approximately one month. emerge from to resume feeding and through the growing season.
Diet
feeding on members of the mallow (Malvaceae). Primary include hollyhocks (Alcea rosea), ornamental rose mallow and hibiscus (Hibiscus spp.), and common marsh-mallow (Althaea officinalis). Several hibiscus varieties show , including Hibiscus acetosella, H. aculeatus, and H. grandiflora.
Host Associations
- Hollyhock - primary Alcea rosea
- Rose mallow - primary Hibiscus spp.
- Marsh-mallow - primary Althaea officinalis
- Cotton - non-Gossypium spp.; not a significant pest
- Okra - non-Abelmoschus esculentus; not a significant pest
- Rose of Sharon - minor Hibiscus syriacus; limited damage reported
Life Cycle
Females use their saw-like to carve small slits in leaf surfaces, depositing one per slit. hatch and through six , feeding on leaf tissue. As larvae grow, damage progresses from tiny shot holes to extensive . Mature larvae move to the base of the to pupate on lower stems and in soil. emerge from , mate, and females seek new plants to continue the cycle. Multiple occur annually, with generation time shortening to approximately one month under warm summer conditions.
Behavior
feed externally on leaves, beginning with small holes and progressively consuming larger areas of leaf tissue. are active fliers that locate plants visually or chemically. No complex social ; individuals operate independently.
Ecological Role
that converts into animal tissue, serving as potential for predatory . Contributes to when are discarded into compost. Not a significant despite visiting flowers.
Human Relevance
Minor agricultural and horticultural pest of ornamental mallows. Damage is primarily aesthetic, reducing the visual appeal of hibiscus and hollyhock plantings. Manual removal of is an effective control strategy. Chemical are available but their use is complicated by high visitation rates of and to hibiscus flowers. Some hibiscus varieties exist.
Similar Taxa
- True caterpillars (Lepidoptera larvae)Similar -like appearance but distinguished by greater number of and different capsule structure; have 6-8 pairs of prolegs without (hooked ) present in
- Other Argidae sawfliesRelated in the same feed on different plants; identification requires host association and