Common Sawflies

Tenthredinidae

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Tenthredinidae: /tɛnˈθrɛdɪnɪdiː/

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

Images

Tenthredella niapa by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Tenthredella niapa by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Dolerus (Achaetoprion) falcatus by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Macrophya errans by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Dineurus pallida by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Dolerus (Achaetoprion) falcatus by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Summary

Tenthredinidae, or common sawflies, is the largest family of sawflies with over 7,500 species globally, primarily feeding on foliage. They undergo complete metamorphosis and lack the 'wasp-waist' common in many hymenopterans.

Physical Characteristics

5-20 mm long, often black or brown, lacking a slender 'wasp-waist' between thorax and abdomen. Dorsoventrally flattened body.

Identification Tips

Combination of five to nine antennal flagellomeres and a clear separation of the first abdominal tergum from the metapleuron. The mesosoma and the metasoma are broadly joined.

Habitat

Common in meadows and forest glades near rapid streams.

Distribution

>900 species in ~100 genera in the area; ~7500 species in approximately 600 genera worldwide.

Diet

Larvae are herbivores, typically feeding on the foliage of trees and shrubs; some species are leaf miners, stem borers, or gall makers.

Life Cycle

Complete metamorphosis; usually a single generation a year. Larvae typically overwinter in the ground or in protected places as pupae or in cocoons.

Reproduction

Females use saw-like ovipositors to cut slits into barks of twigs for egg-laying.

Ecosystem Role

Herbivorous larvae feed on foliage, playing a role in the ecosystem as folivores and as a food source for other organisms.

Economic Impact

Females' ovipositing behavior can damage trees; overall economic impact can vary by species and region.

Collecting Methods

  • Net sweeping in meadows
  • Hand collection from foliage

Preservation Methods

  • Pinning
  • Alcohol preservation

Evolution

Includes a fossil record with several species described, indicating antiquity and adaptive radiation.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Often confused with caterpillars due to their herbivorous larvae that resemble small caterpillars.

Tags

  • Hymenoptera
  • Insects
  • Herbivores
  • Sawflies