Tenthredo mellicoxa
Provancher, 1878
Tenthredo mellicoxa is a in the Tenthredinidae. are active in late summer and early autumn. The has been documented in association with Hydrophyllum virginianum (Virginia waterleaf), a plant in the Boraginaceae family. Larvae feed on foliage of this plant. Like other Tenthredo species, adults are predatory and feed on smaller insects in addition to consuming pollen and nectar.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Tenthredo mellicoxa: /tɛnˈθriːdoʊ ˌmɛlɪˈkoʊksə/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Distinguished from other by the combination of broad - connection, triangular , and reticulated wing venation. Within Tenthredo, -level identification is problematic due to extensive variation in color patterns and the large number of species (approximately 118 in the U.S. and Canada). T. mellicoxa specifically is associated with Hydrophyllum virginianum, which may aid in field recognition where this occurs.
Habitat
Associated with deciduous forest where the plant Hydrophyllum virginianum occurs. The host plant typically grows in moist, shaded woodland environments.
Distribution
North America. Specific range details are limited; observations and documentation suggest presence in eastern North American deciduous forest regions where Hydrophyllum virginianum is native.
Seasonality
active in late summer and early autumn. Larval feeding occurs during the growing season of the plant.
Diet
are : predatory on smaller insects and consume pollen and nectar. Larvae are herbivorous, feeding on foliage of Hydrophyllum virginianum.
Host Associations
- Hydrophyllum virginianum L. - larval plantNewly documented association; larvae feed on foliage
Life Cycle
Holometabolous development with , larval, pupal, and stages. Eggs are inserted into plant tissues using a saw-like ovipositor. Larvae feed externally on plant foliage. details are not documented for this .
Behavior
forage on flowers and hunt small insect prey. Females use their modified ovipositor to insert into plant tissues. Larvae feed on leaves, typically solitary or in small groups.
Ecological Role
function as of small insects and as . Larvae are herbivores that consume foliage of understory plants, potentially contributing to nutrient cycling in forest .
Human Relevance
Females lack a stinger and pose no sting hazard to humans. are sometimes mistaken for stinging due to mimetic coloration patterns. Larvae may cause minor defoliation of ornamental Hydrophyllum but are not considered significant pests.
Similar Taxa
- Other Tenthredo speciesExtensive variation in color patterns makes visual distinction difficult; plant association and geographic distribution may aid separation where known.
- Other Tenthredinidae generaDistinguished by triangular , bulging , and reticulated wing venation; other may have different facial shapes or wing venation patterns.
- Vespidae (stinging wasps) mimic stinging in appearance but lack the constricted petiole ('wasp waist') and cannot sting.
- Lepidoptera larvae (caterpillars) larvae resemble caterpillars but possess seven pairs of versus five or fewer in caterpillars.
More Details
Taxonomic challenges
-level identification within Tenthredo is notoriously difficult due to high intraspecific variation in coloration and pattern, coupled with the large number of North American species. Reference to plant records may assist in identification where such data are available.
Collection methods
Tenthredo appear more susceptible to capture in yellow pan traps than other , which may facilitate survey and detection efforts.