Tenthredo eximia
Norton, 1869
Tenthredo eximia is a in the , characterized by the broad connection between and that distinguishes sawflies from other . The species was described by Norton in 1869. Like other members of the Tenthredo, are predatory and feed on other insects in addition to pollen and nectar. are herbivorous and feed on plant foliage.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Tenthredo eximia: /tɛnˈθrɛdo ɛɡˈzɪmiə/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
can be distinguished from true by the broad - connection and absence of a stinger in females. The triangular and bulging are characteristic of the . are distinguished from by having seven pairs of rather than five or fewer. -level identification within Tenthredo is problematic due to high variation in color patterns and the large number of species.
Habitat
Associated with deciduous forest edges. One specimen was photographed on aspen at high elevation (near summit of Mt. Lemmon, Santa Catalina Mountains, Arizona).
Distribution
Recorded from southern Arizona (Santa Catalina Mountains). Distribution beyond this locality is not documented in available sources.
Seasonality
of the Tenthredo generally appear in late summer and early autumn, later than most other . One specimen of T. eximia was observed on June 12.
Diet
are : they consume smaller insects, pollen, and nectar. feed on plant foliage.
Life Cycle
Females use a saw-like to insert into plant tissues. feed on leaves, often in groups. details are not documented for this .
Behavior
are active , described as functionally similar to in their hunting . More susceptible to capture in yellow pan traps than other . feed gregariously on leaves.
Ecological Role
function as of small insects. are that consume leaf tissue. The participates in complexes, potentially gaining protection from predators by resembling stinging .
Human Relevance
Females do not sting and pose no threat to humans. may be encountered by entomologists using yellow pan traps. Larval relationships are poorly known, limiting agricultural significance assessment.
Similar Taxa
- Other Tenthredo speciesDifficult to distinguish due to high variation in color patterns and large number of (approximately 118 in U.S. and Canada); species-level identification requires expert examination.
- Stinging wasps (Vespidae, Pompilidae)Mimicked in appearance by coloration, but distinguished by broad - junction, softer body, and absence of functional stinger in females.
- Caterpillars (Lepidoptera larvae) resemble in feeding and general form, but have seven pairs of versus five or fewer in caterpillars.
More Details
Taxonomic authority
Described by Norton in 1869.
Collection notes
More susceptible to yellow pan traps than other , based on observations of .