Tenthredo lobata
Tenthredo lobata is a of in the Tenthredinidae. Sawflies in this lack the narrow " waist" characteristic of other Hymenoptera, instead having a broad connection between and . Tenthredo species are often observed on flowers and consume both pollen and smaller insects. Females possess a saw-like ovipositor for inserting into plant tissues, though they lack a stinger. Larvae are herbivorous and feed on foliage.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Tenthredo lobata: /tɛnˈθrɛdoʊ loʊˈbeɪtə/
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Identification
Tenthredo can be recognized by their triangular with slightly bulging and complex, reticulated wing venation. They lack the constricted petiole ( waist) seen in other Hymenopteran . Females have a modified ovipositor resembling a saw blade. Specific diagnostic features for T. lobata are not documented in available sources.
Habitat
Members of the Tenthredo are found at the edges of deciduous forests. The single documented observation of T. lobata was from an aspen leaf near the summit of Mt. Lemmon in the Santa Catalina Mountains of southern Arizona.
Distribution
Documented from the Santa Catalina Mountains of southern Arizona. The broader distribution of this is unknown.
Seasonality
Tenthredo generally appear in spring, though those in the Tenthredo tend to occur later in the season, during late summer and early autumn. The single observation of T. lobata was made on June 12.
Diet
feed on pollen, nectar, and smaller insects. Larvae are herbivorous, feeding on plant foliage.
Life Cycle
Females use their saw-like ovipositor to insert into plant tissues. Larvae feed on foliage and possess seven pairs of (distinguishing them from caterpillars, which have five or fewer pairs). Developmental details specific to T. lobata are unknown.
Behavior
are frequently observed on flowers. Larvae typically feed on leaves, often in groups. The includes that mimic stinging such as yellowjackets and spider wasps, despite being harmless.
Ecological Role
may contribute to pollination while foraging on flowers. Larvae function as herbivores in forest . Their specific ecological role has not been studied.
Human Relevance
No documented economic or medical significance. The includes that mimic stinging but are harmless to humans.
Similar Taxa
- Tenthredo spp.Other in the share the triangular , bulging , reticulated wing venation, and broad - connection. Specific separation of T. lobata from requires examination.
- Lepidoptera larvae (caterpillars) larvae resemble caterpillars but possess seven pairs of versus five or fewer in caterpillars.
More Details
Taxonomic note
The Tenthredo includes approximately 118 in the U.S. and Canada. The specific epithet 'lobata' suggests a lobed characteristic, though the precise referent is not documented in available sources.