Purslane
Guides
Schizocerella
purslane sawflies
Schizocerella is a genus of sawflies in the family Argidae containing at least two species: Schizocerella pilicornis and Schizocerella lineata. Both species are associated with purslane (Portulaca) as host plants. The genus was historically confused, with S. lineata only recognized as distinct from S. pilicornis in 2007 based on mitochondrial DNA analysis. Males are readily identified by their uniquely forked terminal antennal segments.
Schizocerella lineata
Outer Purslane Sawfly
Schizocerella lineata is a sawfly species in the family Argidae, historically confused with S. pilicornis until mitochondrial DNA analysis confirmed their separation in 2007. Unlike its congener, whose larvae are internal leaf miners, S. lineata larvae feed externally on purslane leaves. The species occurs widely across the New World from southern Canada to at least Central America, with multiple generations annually in warmer regions.