Nematus

Panzer, 1801

Willow Sawflies

Nematus is a of (: ) commonly known as willow sawflies. within this genus are , with feeding on leaves of various plants including willows, poplars, birches, and rhododendrons. Several species are recognized as significant economic pests of fruit bushes, trees, and ornamental plants. The genus has a wide geographic distribution spanning Europe, Asia, and North America.

Nematus by (c) Paul Cook, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Paul Cook. Used under a CC-BY license.Nematus latitarsus by (c) Kristof Zyskowski, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Kristof Zyskowski. Used under a CC-BY license.Nematus hamamelis by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Nematus: /nɛˈmeɪtəs/

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

Images

Habitat

Associated with plants including willows (Salix spp.), poplars (Populus spp.), birches (Betula spp.), and rhododendrons (Rhododendron spp.). Some pupate in soil at depths of 10–15 cm.

Distribution

Recorded from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Latvia, Turkey (North and East Anatolia regions), and China (Liaoning, Inner Mongolia, Beijing, Xizang/Tibet). Also present in North America including the USA and Vermont.

Diet

are folivorous, feeding on leaves of plants. Documented hosts include Salix alba, Salix matsudana, Populus × beijingensis, Betula pendula, and Rhododendron spp.

Host Associations

  • Salix alba - larval
  • Salix matsudana - larval
  • Populus × beijingensis - larval
  • Betula pendula - larval
  • Rhododendron albrechtii - larval

Life Cycle

Some are (one per year). includes , larval, pupal, and stages. occurs in soil. Adults of some species are active on sunny days and exhibit peak periods.

Behavior

exhibit electroantennogram and behavioral responses to volatiles. Unmated adults show attraction to specific aldehydes including (E)-2-hexenal and benzaldehyde at 100 µg/µL. Sex-specific differences exist in responses to certain volatile compounds.

Ecological Role

Some function as significant economic pests causing damage to ornamental and forest trees. Characterized by rapid and high in conditions.

Human Relevance

Several are serious pests of fruit bushes, trees, and ornamental plants. Nematus lipovskyi (azalea ) is an non- species in Europe, first recorded in the Czech Republic in 2010 and subsequently in Latvia.

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Sources and further reading