Endelomyia

Ashmead, 1898

roseslug sawfly

Species Guides

Endelomyia aethiops(roseslug)

Endelomyia is a of in the Tenthredinidae, containing at least two described . The genus is best known for Endelomyia aethiops, commonly called the roseslug sawfly, a significant pest of cultivated roses. Larvae feed on rose foliage, producing characteristic skeletonization damage by removing soft tissue between leaf . The genus can be distinguished from the related slugworm genus Caliroa by antennal characters and wing venation.

2019 03 25 Endelomyia aethiops2 by Slimguy. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

2019 03 25 Endelomyia aethiops1 by Slimguy. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

2019 03 25 Endelomyia aethiops by Slimguy. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Endelomyia: //ˌɛn.dɛ.loʊˈmaɪə//

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Identification

are distinguished from Caliroa by antennal structure and wing venation patterns. Larvae are recognized by their yellowish coloration, enlarged (but not greatly enlarged) , absence of slime coating, and presence of six or more pairs of without . The combination of skeletonization damage on rose leaves with these larval characteristics confirms identification.

Images

Habitat

Associated with Rosa , particularly in cultivated garden settings. Larvae feed on rose foliage; are found on or near plants.

Distribution

Recorded from Europe (Denmark, Norway, Sweden) and North America. Endelomyia aethiops is established in North American rose gardens.

Seasonality

fly in May–June. Larvae are active spring through early summer, with E. aethiops completing development by late June. (one per year), with winter spent as in soil cocoons.

Diet

Larvae feed on rose leaves (Rosa spp.), with E. aethiops showing preference for Rosa canina and R. arvensis. Feeding occurs on the undersides of leaves.

Host Associations

Rosa canina - preferred
Rosa arvensis - preferred
Rosa - -level association

Life Cycle

Winter is spent as a contracted in a soil cocoon. emerge in spring (May–June), mate, and females oviposit along edges of rose leaves using a saw-like ovipositor. hatch in 9–14 days. Larvae feed for 20–27 days, then and enter soil to construct cocoons. ; some related show partial bivoltinism but E. aethiops has one annually.

Behavior

Larvae feed on leaf undersurfaces, producing skeletonization by removing tissue between vascular bundles. When abundant, damage can cause leaves to brown and crinkle as if scorched. are active fliers during spring day period.

Ecological Role

Herbivore on Rosa . In native ranges, likely a minor component of plant-insect ; in gardens, can reach pest densities. Larvae serve as prey for ground beetles and lightning larvae when dislodged from plants.

Human Relevance

Economic pest of cultivated roses. The roseslug (E. aethiops) causes significant aesthetic damage to rose foliage through skeletonization. Management includes hand removal, strong water sprays to dislodge larvae, and OMRI-listed such as insecticidal soap and spinosad. Control timing targets larval stages in May–June.

Similar Taxa

CaliroaSimilar slugworm with slime-covered larvae; distinguished by antennal characters, wing venation, and larval (Caliroa larvae have greatly enlarged and slime coating)
Allantus cinctusCurled rose sawfly, another rose-feeding ; larvae curl when not feeding and produce edge defoliation rather than skeletonization
Cladius pectinicornisBristley rose sawfly, another rose pest; distinguished by larval bristle characteristics and feeding damage pattern

More Details

Taxonomic History

Endelomyia was established by Ashmead in 1898 and has been historically confused with Caliroa due to similar larval habits. The two are now distinguished primarily on morphological characters.

Reproduction

Related Caliroa reproduce primarily by ; the reproductive mode of Endelomyia species has not been explicitly documented in available sources.