Sawfly
Guides
Abia
Honeysuckle Sawflies and Allies
Abia is a genus of sawflies in the family Cimbicidae. These are stout-bodied insects commonly encountered in Europe. Species in this genus were formerly placed in the genus Zaraea, which is now considered a synonym. The genus includes several species that feed on conifers and honeysuckles.
Abia aenea
Cryptic Clubhorn
Abia aenea is a species of sawfly in the family Cimbicidae, commonly known as the Cryptic Clubhorn. It belongs to the suborder Symphyta, the group of sawflies that lack the constricted waist characteristic of apocritan wasps, bees, and ants. The species was originally described by Klug in 1820 under the basionym Cimbex aenea. Records indicate presence in parts of northwestern Europe including Belgium, Denmark, and Norway.
Abia americana
Abia americana is a species of sawfly in the family Cimbicidae. It is found across much of Canada, with records from Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Newfoundland. As a member of the Cimbicidae, it belongs to a group of relatively large, robust sawflies whose larvae feed on woody plants.
Abia inflata
North American Honeysuckle Sawfly
Abia inflata is a North American sawfly in the family Cimbicidae, commonly known as the North American Honeysuckle Sawfly. This species belongs to the suborder Symphyta, the group of Hymenoptera that lack the constricted waist characteristic of ants, wasps, and bees. It has been recorded across multiple Canadian provinces from British Columbia to Labrador. The species was first described by Norton in 1861.
Acantholyda
web-spinning sawflies, pine sawflies
Acantholyda is a genus of web-spinning sawflies in the family Pamphiliidae, distributed across Europe, Asia, and North America. Species are associated with coniferous hosts, particularly Pinus and Cedrus. Several species are significant forest pests capable of causing extensive defoliation during outbreaks. Larvae construct silken webs and may enter extended diapause in soil.
Acantholyda angulata
Acantholyda angulata is a species of sawfly in the family Pamphiliidae. The genus Acantholyda belongs to a group of primitive sawflies characterized by distinctive morphological features. Members of this family are typically associated with coniferous hosts, though specific host records for A. angulata remain limited. The species is known from very few observations, reflecting either genuine rarity or undercollection.
Acantholyda atripes
Acantholyda atripes is a species of web-spinning sawfly in the family Pamphiliidae. Members of this genus are known for their distinctive larval habit of constructing silken webs on coniferous foliage. The species name 'atripes' refers to dark-colored legs. Like other pamphiliids, it is associated with pine hosts.
Acantholyda bicolorata
Acantholyda bicolorata is a species of sawfly in the family Pamphiliidae. The genus Acantholyda is known for species that are commonly referred to as web-spinning sawflies or pine web-spinning sawflies, with larvae that construct silken webs on host plants. However, specific information regarding A. bicolorata itself is extremely limited in available sources. The species name 'bicolorata' suggests a two-colored appearance, but detailed biological or ecological data is not readily documented.
Acantholyda circumcincta
Acantholyda circumcincta is a species of sawfly in the family Pamphiliidae, a group commonly known as web-spinning sawflies. The genus Acantholyda contains species whose larvae construct silken webs on host plants. Adults are generally small to medium-sized sawflies with distinctive morphological features. Larval stages are associated with coniferous trees, where they feed gregariously within protective webs.
Acantholyda erythrocephala
red-headed pine sawfly, pine false webworm
Acantholyda erythrocephala is a sawfly in the family Pamphiliidae, native to Europe and introduced to North America in 1925, where it became an invasive pest of pine trees. The species is commonly known as the red-headed pine sawfly or pine false webworm. Its larvae construct distinctive silken tubes for feeding and shelter, causing defoliation of host trees. The species has been the target of biological control efforts using parasitoid flies and viral agents.
Acantholyda floridana
Acantholyda floridana is a species of sawfly in the family Pamphiliidae. The genus Acantholyda comprises web-spinning sawflies whose larvae construct silken webs on host plants. This species is endemic to Florida, with records from the northern and central portions of the peninsula. Adults are active in spring and early summer. Larval biology and specific host associations for this species remain poorly documented.
Acantholyda verticalis
Acantholyda verticalis is a species of sawfly in the family Pamphiliidae. It belongs to a genus of web-spinning sawflies whose larvae construct silken webs on host plants. The species has been documented in several Canadian provinces including Alberta, British Columbia, and New Brunswick. Like other pamphiliids, it is likely associated with coniferous hosts, though specific details for this species remain limited in available sources.
Adelesta nova
Adelesta nova is a species of sawfly in the family Tenthredinidae, first described by Norton in 1867. It belongs to a group of herbivorous insects commonly known as sawflies, which are distinguished from other Hymenoptera by their broad connection between thorax and abdomen (lacking the wasp waist). The species has been recorded in eastern Canada.
Aglaostigma rubens
A species of sawfly in the family Tenthredinidae. Known from limited records in western North America, primarily British Columbia, Canada. As with other tenthredinids, the larvae likely feed on plant foliage, though specific host associations remain undocumented.
Allantus
Allantus is a genus of sawflies in the family Tenthredinidae. Members of this genus are herbivorous, with larvae feeding on various plants including roses, buckwheat, and dock weeds. Some species are significant agricultural pests, while others have been investigated as potential biological control agents for invasive weeds. The genus is distributed across the Holarctic region, with species found in Europe, Asia, and North America.
Allantus basalis
Caledonian Spindler
Allantus basalis is a sawfly species in the family Tenthredinidae. The species was originally described as Tenthredo basalis by Klug in 1818. It is known from parts of Europe and Canada, with records from Norway, Sweden, and eastern Canadian provinces including Newfoundland and Nova Scotia. Sawflies in this genus are herbivorous, with larvae typically feeding on plant foliage.
Allantus cinctus
Curled rose sawfly, Banded rose sawfly
Allantus cinctus, commonly known as the curled rose sawfly or banded rose sawfly, is a species of sawfly in the family Tenthredinidae. The larvae are significant defoliators of rose plants, feeding on leaf margins and capable of reducing foliage to mid-veins. When not feeding, larvae curl tightly on leaf undersides or buds, providing effective camouflage. The species produces two generations per year in temperate regions, with larvae boring into twigs to pupate.
Allantus nigritibialis
Allantus nigritibialis is a sawfly species in the family Tenthredinidae, described by Rohwer in 1911. Like other members of the genus Allantus, this species likely has larvae that feed on rose foliage, though specific life history details for this particular species are poorly documented. Adult sawflies are small wasp-like insects with saw-like ovipositors used to insert eggs into plant tissue. The species name 'nigritibialis' refers to dark or black tibiae (leg segments), suggesting a distinguishing color pattern on the legs.
Allantus viennensis
Curled Rose Sawfly, Rose Sawfly
Allantus viennensis is a sawfly in the family Tenthredinidae, commonly known as the curled rose sawfly. The larvae are significant pests of roses, feeding on leaf margins and causing defoliation. Adults are small, wasp-like insects with saw-like ovipositors used to insert eggs into rose tissue. The species is distinguished by the larval habit of curling cryptically on leaves when not feeding.
Ametastegia articulata
Ametastegia articulata is a species of sawfly in the family Tenthredinidae, first described by Klug in 1818. It belongs to the subfamily Allantinae and is recorded from eastern Canada. Like other sawflies in this genus, it is likely associated with herbaceous vegetation, though specific host plant relationships remain poorly documented. The species is represented by very few observations, indicating either genuine rarity or undercollection.
Ametastegia glabrata
Dock Sawfly, Dock False-worm
Ametastegia glabrata, commonly known as the dock sawfly or dock false-worm, is a tenthredinid sawfly native to the Palearctic region. The species has been introduced to Australia, where it was first recorded in Victoria attacking raspberries. It is associated with Rumex species (dock and sorrel) as host plants.
Aneugmenini
Aneugmenini is a tribe of sawflies within the family Tenthredinidae. Members of this tribe are phytophagous and associated with various host plants. The tribe contains multiple genera, including the well-known genus *Aneugmenus*. Sawflies in this group are morphologically diverse but share characteristics typical of Tenthredinidae, including a broad connection between the thorax and abdomen (lacking the narrow 'wasp waist' of Apocrita).
Aneugmenus
Aneugmenus is a genus of sawflies in the family Tenthredinidae. The genus includes at least eight described species distributed across the Holarctic and Neotropical regions. One species, Aneugmenus merida, has been studied in detail in the Venezuelan Andes, where it exhibits parthenogenesis and specialized herbivory on bracken ferns.
Aneugmenus flavipes
Aneugmenus flavipes is a species of sawfly in the family Tenthredinidae, first described by Norton in 1861. It is recorded from multiple Canadian provinces including Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, and Nova Scotia. As a member of the genus Aneugmenus, it belongs to a group of sawflies whose larvae are associated with ferns. The species epithet 'flavipes' refers to yellow legs, a characteristic coloration feature.
Anoplonyx canadensis
Anoplonyx canadensis is a larch sawfly native to eastern Canada, historically confused with A. luteipes and A. laricis due to similar adult morphology. The species belongs to a small genus of sawflies specialized on Larix trees, with larvae that feed on larch foliage. Detailed morphological study is required to distinguish this species from its congeners, particularly in adult stages.
Anoplonyx occidens
Anoplonyx occidens is a species of sawfly in the family Tenthredinidae. It is known from western Canada, specifically British Columbia. As a member of this genus, it belongs to a group of sawflies whose larvae feed on coniferous trees, though species-level host records for A. occidens remain limited.
Apareophora
Apareophora is a genus of sawflies in the family Tenthredinidae, established by Sato in 1928. Members of this genus are part of the diverse sawfly fauna of the Palearctic region. The genus is characterized by morphological features typical of the subfamily Blennocampinae, including specific arrangements of antennal segments and wing venation patterns. Species within Apareophora are herbivorous as larvae, feeding on various host plants.
Aproceros
Aproceros is a genus of sawflies in the family Argidae, comprising ten recognized species native to eastern Asia. The genus gained international attention following the introduction of Aproceros leucopoda (elm zigzag sawfly) to Europe around 2003 and subsequently to North America in 2020. This invasive species has demonstrated rapid range expansion and significant defoliation capacity on elm trees (Ulmus spp.). Most Aproceros species remain restricted to their native East Asian ranges, with limited biological information available for the genus beyond A. leucopoda.
Aprosthema brunniventre
Aprosthema brunniventre is a species of sawfly in the family Argidae. Members of this genus are characterized by their distinctive morphology within the family. The species name 'brunniventre' refers to the brownish coloration of the abdomen. Like other Argidae, it belongs to a family of herbivorous sawflies whose larvae feed on various plant species.
Arge
Arge is a genus of sawflies in the family Argidae, subfamily Arginae. Members of this genus are distributed across the Northern Hemisphere, with records from Europe and North America. As with other argid sawflies, species in this genus are herbivorous and typically associated with various woody plants as larvae. The genus was established by Schrank in 1802 and remains taxonomically valid.
Arge abdominalis
Arge abdominalis is a species of sawfly in the family Argidae, order Hymenoptera. Sawflies in this genus are characterized by their distinctive antennae and herbivorous larval stages. The species epithet "abdominalis" suggests a notable abdominal feature, though specific morphological details for this species are not well documented in available sources. Like other argid sawflies, adults are likely short-lived and focused on reproduction, with larvae feeding on plant material.
Arge cerulea
Arge cerulea is a species of sawfly in the family Argidae. Members of the genus Arge are commonly known as birch sawflies or rose sawflies, though specific common names for A. cerulea are not well documented. The species is characterized by its blue or cerulean coloration, as indicated by its specific epithet. Sawflies in this family are herbivorous, with larvae typically feeding on various woody plants. Adults are often found on flowers or foliage of host plants.
Arge cyra
Arge cyra is a species of sawfly in the family Argidae, first described by Kirby in 1882. It is a member of the genus Arge, which comprises approximately 200 species of sawflies distributed primarily across the Northern Hemisphere. The species has been recorded across multiple Canadian provinces, suggesting a broad distribution in North America. Sawflies in this family are phytophagous, with larvae typically feeding externally on host plants.
Arge humeralis
Poison Ivy Sawfly
Arge humeralis, commonly known as the poison ivy sawfly, is a species of argid sawfly in the family Argidae. The species is notable for its specialized larval feeding relationship with poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans), making it one of the few insects that can consume this plant. The species has been documented in North America, with distribution records from Canada and the United States.
Arge illuminata
Arge illuminata is a species of sawfly in the family Argidae. As with other members of the genus Arge, this species likely exhibits the characteristic elbowed antennae and compact body form typical of argid sawflies. The species has been documented in iNaturalist with limited observational records, indicating it is either rare, underreported, or restricted in distribution.
Arge ochropus
rose sawfly
Arge ochropus, commonly known as the rose sawfly, is a small sawfly species in the family Argidae. Adults measure 7–10 mm in length and are active primarily in spring. The species is native to the Palearctic region and has been introduced to northeastern North America. Larvae feed on rose leaves, causing skeletonization damage, while adults consume nectar and pollen from several flowering plants. The species produces two generations annually in temperate regions.
Arge onerosa
Arge onerosa is a species of sawfly in the family Argidae, described by MacGillivray in 1923. The species is recorded from several Canadian provinces and territories including British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, and the Northwest Territories. As a member of Argidae, it belongs to a family of sawflies characterized by antennae with three to six flagellomeres and larvae that typically feed on the leaves of woody plants.
Arge pectoralis
Birch Sawfly
Arge pectoralis, commonly known as the birch sawfly, is a species of argid sawfly in the family Argidae. It is present in North America, with distribution records from multiple Canadian provinces including Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and New Brunswick. As a member of the Argidae family, it belongs to a group of sawflies characterized by their distinctive biology and host plant associations.
Arge quidia
Willow Oak Sawfly
Arge quidia is a sawfly species in the family Argidae, described by Smith in 1989. It is commonly known as the Willow Oak Sawfly, indicating an association with willow oak (Quercus phellos) or related oak species. The species has been documented in eastern Canada, specifically Ontario and Quebec. As a member of the suborder Symphyta, adults lack the narrow waist characteristic of most other Hymenoptera. Larvae of Argidae are typically external leaf feeders on woody plants.
Arge scapularis
elm argid sawfly
Arge scapularis, commonly known as the elm argid sawfly, is a sawfly species in the family Argidae found across North America. It is a specialist herbivore that commonly infests elm trees (Ulmus spp.). The species name 'scapularis' refers to distinctive shoulder blade-like structures on the insect's thorax. As a member of the suborder Symphyta, it lacks the narrow 'wasp waist' characteristic of many other Hymenoptera.
Arge willi
Arge willi is a species of sawfly in the family Argidae, order Hymenoptera. As a member of the genus Arge, it belongs to a group commonly known as the bristly sawflies, characterized by their distinctive antennal structure and larval feeding habits on various woody plants. The species is documented through limited observations, with records indicating presence in specific geographic regions.
Argidae
Argid Sawflies
Argidae is a large family of sawflies (Hymenoptera: Symphyta) comprising approximately 800 species worldwide, with greatest diversity in tropical regions, particularly the Neotropics. The family is distinguished from other Symphyta by the reduction of the antenna to three flagellomeres, with the terminal segment often elongated and forked in males. Larvae are phytophagous and frequently exhibit gregarious feeding behavior; some species display maternal care of eggs and young larvae.
Athalia
Tigress Sawflies
Athalia is a genus of sawflies in the family Tenthredinidae, commonly known as Tigress Sawflies. Species occur across Eurasia, Africa, and North America. Several species are economically significant pests of cruciferous crops, with specialized host associations and distinct life history strategies including diapause adaptations.
Athalia cornubiae
Stonecrop Tigress
Athalia cornubiae is a sawfly species described by Benson in 1931, commonly known as the Stonecrop Tigress. The species has been recorded in Europe (Belgium, Denmark) and North America (Canada, Ontario), suggesting either a natural transatlantic distribution or possible introduction. The common name implies an association with stonecrop plants (Crassula or Sedum), though specific host relationships require confirmation. As a member of the genus Athalia, it belongs to a group of sawflies whose larvae often feed on cruciferous or succulent plants.
Atomacera
mallow sawfly, hibiscus sawfly
Atomacera is a genus of sawflies in the family Argidae, commonly known as mallow sawflies or hibiscus sawflies. These insects are herbivorous members of the Hymenoptera, representing a primitive branch of the order that lacks the constricted waist typical of wasps, bees, and ants. The genus contains species that feed on plants in the mallow family (Malvaceae), including ornamental hibiscus, hollyhocks, and marsh-mallow. Despite their caterpillar-like appearance, sawfly larvae are distinct from Lepidoptera larvae in having more pairs of prolegs.
Atomacera decepta
Hibiscus Sawfly, Mallow Sawfly
The hibiscus sawfly (Atomacera decepta) is a herbivorous sawfly in the family Argidae that feeds primarily on members of the mallow family (Malvaceae). Despite its caterpillar-like larvae, it belongs to the Hymenoptera (bees, wasps, and ants) rather than Lepidoptera. The species is known for causing significant defoliation damage to ornamental hibiscus, hollyhocks, and marsh-mallow, though it has not developed a strong preference for economically important crops like cotton or okra.
Bidigitus platani
western sycamore sawfly
Bidigitus platani is a sawfly species in the family Tenthredinidae, commonly known as the western sycamore sawfly. The species name indicates an association with sycamore trees (Platanus species), particularly western sycamore (Platanus racemosa). As a member of the sawfly suborder Symphyta, adults are wasp-like in appearance but lack the constricted waist characteristic of many other Hymenoptera. Larvae are herbivorous and feed on host plant foliage.
Blennocampinae
Blennocampinae is a subfamily of sawflies within the family Tenthredinidae, containing over 100 genera and approximately 600 described species. Members are characterized by larvae that often bear distinctive branched or bifurcate dorsal spines. The subfamily includes species with documented associations with woody host plants, particularly oaks (Quercus) and hickories (Carya), as well as some that have become notable urban pests. Larvae possess six or more pairs of prolegs, distinguishing them from lepidopteran caterpillars.
Blennocampini
Blennocampini is a tribe of sawflies within the family Tenthredinidae. Larvae of this group possess distinctive bifurcate (forked) dorsal cuticular projections that distinguish them from many other sawfly larvae. The tribe includes genera such as Periclista, which are associated with woody plants including oaks. Adults are small to medium-sized sawflies with typical tenthredinid morphology.
Caliroa cerasi
pear slug, cherry slug, cherry slimy sawfly
Caliroa cerasi, commonly known as the pear slug or cherry slug, is a sawfly (Hymenoptera: Tenthredinidae) whose larvae are significant pests of stone and pome fruit trees. The species exhibits a complex life cycle with bivoltine and univoltine generations, and populations can shift between deuterotokous (producing both sexes) and thelytokous (female-only) parthenogenesis during outbreak cycles. Native to Europe, it has spread to multiple continents including North America, Asia, and Australasia. While capable of causing serious defoliation, it is generally considered a secondary pest in intensive orchards due to susceptibility to insecticides.