Tenthredo erythromera
Tenthredo erythromera is a of common in the Tenthredinidae. Like other members of the , it lacks the narrow " waist" characteristic of many Hymenoptera, instead having a broad connection between and . are often found on flowers and are known to consume both pollen, nectar, and smaller insects. The species exhibits color pattern variation typical of the genus, which can complicate identification.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Tenthredo erythromera: //tɛnˈθriːd.oʊ ɛˌrɪθ.roʊˈmiː.rə//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
have triangular with slightly bulging and complex, reticulated wing venation. The broad connection between and distinguishes Tenthredo from with constricted waists. Females lack a stinger but retain a saw-like ovipositor for inserting into plant tissues. -level identification within Tenthredo is problematic due to high variation in color patterns across the approximately 118 North American species.
Habitat
Observed near the summit of Mt. Lemmon in the Santa Catalina Mountains of southern Arizona on aspen leaves. The Tenthredo is generally associated with deciduous forest edges.
Distribution
Documented from southern Arizona (Santa Catalina Mountains). The Tenthredo includes approximately 118 across the United States and Canada.
Seasonality
of the Tenthredo tend to appear in late summer and early autumn, later than many other genera which are most abundant in spring.
Diet
consume pollen, nectar, and smaller insects.
Life Cycle
Larvae are herbivorous and feed on foliage. Specific plant associations for Tenthredo erythromera are poorly known.
Behavior
have been observed on flowers. Members of the Tenthredo are more susceptible to capture in yellow pan traps than other . Larvae typically feed on leaves, sometimes in groups.
Ecological Role
function as both and of small insects. Larvae are herbivores that consume plant foliage.
Human Relevance
Females do not sting and pose no threat to humans. Larvae may cause minor defoliation of plants.
Similar Taxa
- Diprion similis (Imported Pine Sawfly)Larvae are frequently mistaken for each other; both have caterpillar-like with seven pairs of (versus five or fewer in Lepidoptera caterpillars). However, Diprion similis larvae feed on pine needles while Tenthredo larvae feed on broadleaf vegetation.
- Vespula spp. (yellowjackets) and Pompilidae (spider wasps)Many Tenthredo mimic the coloration of stinging , but lack the constricted waist and stinger of these groups.
- Lepidoptera caterpillars larvae resemble caterpillars in and appearance, but possess seven pairs of rather than five or fewer pairs found in caterpillars.
More Details
Identification challenges
-level identification within Tenthredo is difficult due to extensive variation in color patterns and the large number of species in the .
Taxonomic authority
Specimens have been identified by Dr. David R. Smith, a world authority on .