Caliroa quercuscoccinae
Oak-skeletonizing sawfly
Caliroa quercuscoccinae is a in the Tenthredinidae. The larvae are known for skeletonizing oak leaves, feeding on the tissue between the leaf while leaving the veins intact. This feeding pattern creates a distinctive lace-like appearance on damaged foliage. The species is part of a whose larvae are commonly referred to as slug sawflies due to their slimy, slug-like appearance and locomotion.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Caliroa quercuscoccinae: //ˈkæ.lɪˌɹoʊ.ə ˌkwɜr.kəs.kɒkˈsɪn.aɪ//
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Identification
Larvae can be distinguished from other oak-feeding insects by their skeletonizing feeding pattern, which leaves leaf intact while consuming intervening tissue. The larvae have a characteristic slimy, slug-like appearance typical of the Caliroa. They differ from caterpillars (Lepidoptera larvae) in having more pairs of and lacking . The specific epithet quercuscoccinae references the association with oaks (Quercus) and possibly the insect genus Coccus, though the exact etymology is unclear.
Habitat
Associated with oak trees (Quercus ), particularly in forested and woodland areas where oaks occur.
Diet
Larvae feed on oak leaves (Quercus ), skeletonizing the foliage by consuming tissue between the .
Host Associations
- Quercus - obligateLarval plant; specific oak not confirmed in source
Behavior
Larvae exhibit skeletonizing feeding , consuming leaf tissue between while leaving the vascular structure intact.
Human Relevance
Larvae can cause noticeable aesthetic damage to ornamental oak trees, though significant economic impact is not documented in available sources.
Similar Taxa
- Caliroa cerasiCongeneric with similar slug-like larval and skeletonizing feeding habits, though associated with different plants
- Lepidoptera larvae (caterpillars)Similar leaf-feeding habit on oaks, but distinguished by larval ( number, presence of ) and feeding pattern