Pristiphora abbreviata
(Hartig, 1837)
Pear Tree Sawyer
Pristiphora abbreviata is a in the , commonly known as the Pear Tree Sawyer. Sawflies are in the suborder Symphyta, distinguished from higher wasps by the absence of a narrow waist between and . Females possess a saw-like used to insert into tissue. The species has been documented in Canada (British Columbia, Ontario), Denmark, and Norway.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Pristiphora abbreviata: /ˌprɪstɪˈfɔːrə ˌæbriˈvaɪətə/
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Identification
As a member of , P. abbreviata can be distinguished from () by having two pairs of membranous rather than one. resemble but possess six or more pairs of abdominal (caterpillars have five or fewer pairs), and their prolegs lack the hook-like found on caterpillar prolegs. sawflies lack the constricted waist characteristic of higher (). Specific identification features for P. abbreviata are not well documented in available sources.
Images
Distribution
Canada (British Columbia, Ontario), Denmark, and Norway. GBIF records indicate presence in these regions.
Host Associations
- Pyrus - larval 'Pear Tree Sawyer' suggests association with pear trees, though specific documentation is limited
Behavior
Females use a saw-like to cut into tissue and . This is a characteristic of .
Similar Taxa
- Pristiphora rufipesCongeneric columbine with similar biology and appearance; both are in Pristiphora and feed on
- Other Tenthredinidae sawfliesShare with two pairs of and lack of constricted waist; many have similar saw-like and larval feeding habits on
More Details
Taxonomic note
Pristiphora is a large of with many associated with trees and shrubs. The 'Pear Tree Sawyer' appears to be used primarily on iNaturalist and may reflect larval feeding on pear (Pyrus), though this association requires verification from primary literature.