Anoplonyx

Marlatt, 1896

Anoplonyx is a of in the , Nematinae. The genus comprises approximately eight known —four in North America and four in Europe. All species are associated with Larix (larch) trees as . The genus was first described by Marlatt in 1896. North American species, particularly A. luteipes and A. canadensis, were historically confused and identified as a single species, "Marlatt's Larch Sawfly".

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Anoplonyx: /ˌænəˈplɒnɪks/

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

Identification

within Anoplonyx are similar in appearance and difficult to distinguish, especially in the stage. Larval stages are more readily separated; a key by Wong (1955) exists for identifying late feeding stages of Canadian Anoplonyx larvae.

Distribution

Eastern Canada, Europe, and Britain. Distribution records from GBIF indicate presence in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.

Host Associations

  • Larix - obligateAll in the are associated with Larix (larch) trees. Larvae feed on larch foliage.

Human Relevance

Anoplonyx destructor has been common in British larch woods without causing serious damage to tree crops. Attempts at of this using the Dahlbominus fuscipennis were unsuccessful.

Similar Taxa

  • Other Nematinae generaAnoplonyx is taxonomically defined by Ross (1937) and belongs to the more generalized Nematinae; precise distinguishing features require examination of morphological characters.

More Details

Historical taxonomic confusion

Considerable confusion existed regarding identification of North American Anoplonyx until Wong (1955) published a key to separate late feeding larval stages. A. luteipes and A. canadensis were historically identified as a single species, "Marlatt's Larch " (A. laricis).

Biological control attempts

Unsuccessful attempts were made to achieve of Anoplonyx destructor in Britain through release of the Dahlbominus fuscipennis.

Sources and further reading