Macroxyela ferruginea
Macroxyela ferruginea is a in the Xyelidae, one of the most ancient lineages of Hymenoptera. This belongs to a characterized by relatively large size among xyelid sawflies and association with coniferous . Xyelidae are considered living fossils, retaining morphological traits found in the earliest known fossil Hymenoptera from the Triassic and Jurassic periods.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Macroxyela ferruginea: /mækrəʊˈzaɪlə fərˈuːdʒɪniə/
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Identification
Distinguished from other Macroxyela by ferruginous (rust-colored) coloration. Members of Xyelidae can be recognized by their distinctive : the first flagellomere is elongated and club-shaped, a unique trait among Hymenoptera. Xyelidae also possess a characteristic wing venation pattern and a relatively unconstricted connection between and compared to the narrow " waist" of .
Images
Habitat
Associated with coniferous forests; larvae develop in cones of pines and related conifers.
Distribution
Recorded from Canada (Ontario) and presumably occurring in adjacent regions of northeastern North America where suitable coniferous exists.
Host Associations
- Pinus - larval Larvae develop within pine cones
Similar Taxa
- Macroxyela majorSimilar large-bodied xyelid ; distinguished by coloration and distribution
- Xyela speciesRelated xyelid sawflies; generally smaller and with different associations