Eriocampini

Eriocampini sawflies are distinguished from related tribes by a combination of wing venation characters, including the presence of a distinct anal crossvein in the hind wing and reduced number of antennal segments (usually 9 or fewer). Adults often have a somewhat flattened or broadened body form compared to other Tenthredinidae. Larvae are typically slug-like, with reduced or absent thoracic legs, and produce a secretion that gives them a shiny, wet appearance.

Found in temperate forests, orchards, and shrublands where host plants occur. Adults are often observed on flowers or foliage of woody plants. Larval habitats correspond to the distribution of their host plants, which include Rosaceae, Betulaceae, and other woody angiosperms.

Holarctic distribution, with records from North America, Europe, and Asia. Greatest species diversity occurs in temperate regions of North America. Some species have been introduced to regions outside their native range, including Australia and New Zealand.

Adults active primarily in spring and early summer, with timing varying by latitude and species. Larvae present during late spring through summer. Most species have a single generation per year (univoltine), though some may have partial second generations in favorable climates.

Larvae feed externally on leaves of woody plants, particularly in families Rosaceae and Betulaceae. Specific host associations vary by genus: Caliroa species feed on Prunus, Sorbus, and related genera; Eriocampa species feed on Alnus and Betula. Adults feed on nectar and pollen.

• Rosaceae - larval food plantincluding Prunus, Sorbus, Crataegus
• Betulaceae - larval food plantincluding Alnus, Betula
• Corylaceae - larval food plantCorylus

Complete metamorphosis with egg, larva, prepupa, pupa, and adult stages. Females deposit eggs in slits cut into leaf margins or veins. Larvae pass through multiple instars, feeding externally on foliage. Mature larvae drop to the ground and form a cocoon in soil or leaf litter, where they overwinter as prepupae. Pupation occurs in spring, with adults emerging to mate and oviposit.

Larvae are external feeders that skeletonize leaves by consuming tissue between veins, leaving a characteristic lace-like pattern. When disturbed, larvae may secrete a viscous fluid from pores along the body. Adults are diurnal and visit flowers for nectar. Some species exhibit swarming behavior during mating periods.

Herbivores that can significantly impact leaf area of host plants during outbreaks. Serve as prey for various predators including birds, parasitoid wasps, and predatory insects. Contribute to nutrient cycling through leaf consumption and frass deposition.

Includes several pest species of economic importance. Caliroa cerasi (pear slug) damages pear, cherry, plum, and other stone fruits in orchards worldwide. Heavy infestations can reduce fruit yield and tree vigor. Chemical and biological control methods are employed in commercial fruit production. Some species are minor pests of ornamental trees and shrubs.

• BlennocampiniSimilar slug-like larvae, but distinguished by larval head capsule structure and adult wing venation; Blennocampini larvae often have more prominent thoracic legs and different feeding patterns.
• Nematus (Nematinae)Larvae also feed on woody plants, but Nematus larvae have well-developed thoracic legs and cylindrical body form rather than the flattened, leg-reduced morphology of Eriocampini.

• sawfly
• herbivore
• pest
• orchard
• slug-like larvae
• Holarctic
• Tenthredinidae
• leaf skeletonizer

• BugGuide
• iNaturalist taxon