Megaxyela major

(Cresson, 1880)

Megaxyela major is a of in the Xyelidae, one of the most primitive families of Hymenoptera. The Megaxyela contains some of the largest xyelid sawflies. Species in this genus are associated with walnut (Juglans) and hickory (Carya) trees as for their larvae.

Megaxyela P1180052a by
xpda. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Megaxyela P1180053b by
xpda. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Megaxyela P1180054c by
xpda. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Megaxyela major: /ˌmɛɡəˈzaɪələ ˈmeɪdʒər/

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Images

Distribution

North America. The Megaxyela is primarily Nearctic in distribution.

Diet

Larvae feed internally in buds and shoots of walnut (Juglans) and hickory (Carya) . have been observed feeding on pollen.

Host Associations

Juglans - larval walnut
Carya - larval hickory

Ecological Role

As primary consumers of walnut and hickory tissues, larvae may influence bud development and shoot growth in trees. The Xyelidae represents an early evolutionary lineage of Hymenoptera, making like M. major of interest for studies of hymenopteran and the evolution of plant-feeding in the order.

Similar Taxa

Megaxyela langstoniAnother large in the same , also associated with Juglans; distinguished by morphological details of and genitalia
PleroneuraAnother xyelid with larvae in conifer buds; distinguished by association (conifers vs. hardwoods) and

More Details

Taxonomic significance

Megaxyela major belongs to Xyelidae, the only extant in the suborder that retains the ancestral condition of a mobile last tergite and ovipositor, characteristics of the earliest Hymenoptera.

Collection records

The has been documented in entomological collections, with specimens deposited in institutions including the Bohart Museum of Entomology at UC Davis.