Xyela

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Family: Xyelidae
Subfamily: Xyelinae
Genus: Xyela

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Xyela: //zaɪˈiːlə//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Xyela winnemanae by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Xyela serrata by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Xyela styrax by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Xyela alni by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Summary

Xyela is a genus of sawflies described in 1819, belonging to the family Xyelidae. There are around 18 species noted in the area, with larvae primarily feeding on pine species' cones.

Physical Characteristics

Adults measure 3‒7 mm in length, with variations across species.

Identification Tips

Look for adults early in spring on catkins of Salix or Alnus trees, often in large numbers near pine host plants.

Habitat

Commonly found in areas where Pinus species grow, particularly during early spring.

Distribution

Holarctic, with some species present in the Oriental and Neotropic realms.

Diet

Larvae feed primarily in the developing staminate cones of pines. One species forms galls in shoots of pines.

Life Cycle

One flight per year coincides with the development of staminate cones of pines. Larvae develop for 2‒3 weeks Before dropping to the ground to construct earthen cells.

Reproduction

Details on reproduction are limited, but larvae undergo a prepupal stage during overwintering.

Ecosystem Role

Plays a role in pollination as they are found on flowering trees and feed on cones, contributing to the life cycle of pines.