Dolerus

Jurine, 1807

Species Guides

Dolerus is a of in the Tenthredinidae, Selandriinae. occur in Europe and North America. Larvae of multiple species have been documented feeding on Equisetum (horsetails) and grasses, with some species showing specialized associations. The genus includes several subgenera, notably Equidolerus and Achaetoprion, which have been subject to recent taxonomic revision.

Dolerus neoagcistus by (c) Bill Keim, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Dolerus unicolor by (c) Bill Keim, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Dolerus nitens by (c) Slimguy, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Dolerus: /dɔˈlɛrʊs/

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

Identification

Larvae can be distinguished from Lepidoptera caterpillars by having six or more pairs of (Lepidoptera have five or fewer). Larvae of the subgenus Achaetoprion can be identified using morphological keys based on last feeding stage characteristics. of certain groups can be differentiated by imaginal diagnostic characters, particularly within the subgenus Equidolerus.

Images

Habitat

are associated with moist supporting their plants. Six Nearctic species (D. aprilis, D. tibialis conjugatus, D. gilvipes albifrons, D. apricus, D. acidus, D. subfasciatus) have been reared from field horsetail (Equisetum arvense) in the Ottawa region. Two Nearctic species (D. sericeus, D. nitens) inhabit grasslands. Dolerus (Achaetoprion) pachycerus has been found in Poland in association with rush habitats.

Distribution

Europe and North America. Specific records include: Nearctic region (United States, Canada including Ottawa region, Vermont); Palaearctic region (Poland, Sweden, Denmark).

Seasonality

periods vary by within the subgenus Achaetoprion; specific timing documented for Polish species.

Diet

Larval diet includes: Equisetum arvense (field horsetail) for six Nearctic ; grasses for D. sericeus and D. nitens; Juncus compressus (a rush) for D. (Achaetoprion) pachycerus in Poland.

Host Associations

Equisetum arvense - larval food plantfield horsetail; six Nearctic
Poaceae - larval food plantgrasses; D. sericeus and D. nitens
Juncus compressus - larval food plantround-fruited rush; D. pachycerus

Life Cycle

described for Nearctic ; larvae feed externally on plants. Mature larvae of D. tritici exhibit specialized ultramorphological adaptations for a tilted- feeding strategy on host plants.

Behavior

Larvae feed externally on plants rather than mining or boring. D. tritici larvae employ a distinctive tilted- feeding posture facilitated by structural adaptations.

Similar Taxa

Lepidoptera caterpillars larvae resemble caterpillars but have six or more pairs of versus five or fewer in Lepidoptera
Other Tenthredinidae larvaeDolerus larvae specifically associated with Equisetum and grasses; other often have different plant associations

More Details

Subgeneric classification

The includes subgenera Equidolerus and Achaetoprion. Recent taxonomic work has revised limits within Equidolerus, validating D. subfasciatus F. Smith 1874 and recognizing D. neoaprilis, D. pseudoanticus, and D. rhodogaster as distinct species.

Larval morphology

Dolerus haematodes larvae have been illustrated as an example of larvae with prominent , serving as a diagnostic comparison against Lepidoptera.