Sawfly
Guides
Monophadnoides rubi
raspberry sawfly, Dark Bramble-cutter
Monophadnoides rubi, commonly known as the raspberry sawfly or Dark Bramble-cutter, is a species of common sawfly in the family Tenthredinidae. It is a defoliating pest of Rubus species, particularly raspberry and blackberry. The species is native to North America and has been documented across Canada and the United States.
Monophadnus
Monophadnus is a genus of sawflies in the family Tenthredinidae. Species in this genus are specialized herbivores of Ranunculaceae plants, particularly Helleborus species. Larvae sequester host plant secondary metabolites—including furostanol saponins and, in some species, phytoecdysteroids—into their haemolymph for chemical defense against predators. This sequestration represents a documented case of bioaccumulation, with ecdysteroid concentrations in larval haemolymph reaching levels thousands of times higher than in host plant tissues.
Monostegia
Monostegia is a genus of sawflies in the family Tenthredinidae. The genus contains at least one well-known species, M. abdominalis, commonly called the loosestrife sawfly. Adults are characterized by black heads and thoraxes with yellow legs and abdomens. The genus has a holarctic distribution, originally native to Europe and Asia but introduced to North America in the 1950s, where it has since expanded its range considerably.
Monsoma
green alder sawfly (for M. pulveratum)
Monsoma is a genus of common sawflies in the family Tenthredinidae, containing at least two described species. The genus includes M. pulveratum, known as the green alder sawfly, which has been identified as a potential forest pest in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. Species in this genus are associated with forest habitats.
Monsoma pulveratum
green alder sawfly
Monsoma pulveratum, known as the green alder sawfly, is a species of common sawfly in the family Tenthredinidae. Native to Europe, it has been accidentally introduced to North America and is documented in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States as well as parts of Canada. The species has been identified as a potential forest pest in its introduced range.
Nefusa ambigua
Violet Leafmining Sawfly
Nefusa ambigua, commonly known as the violet leafmining sawfly, is a species of sawfly in the family Tenthredinidae. The larvae are specialized leafminers that feed internally within the leaves of Viola species (violets). This species has been documented across multiple Canadian provinces and is known for its distinctive larval habit of creating mines within violet foliage.
Nematus
Willow Sawflies
Nematus is a genus of sawflies (Hymenoptera: Tenthredinidae) commonly known as willow sawflies. Species within this genus are phytophagous, with larvae feeding on leaves of various host plants including willows, poplars, birches, and rhododendrons. Several species are recognized as significant economic pests of fruit bushes, trees, and ornamental plants. The genus has a wide geographic distribution spanning Europe, Asia, and North America.
Nematus abbotii
Nematus abbotii is a species of sawfly in the family Tenthredinidae, first described by William Kirby in 1882. It belongs to the subfamily Nematinae, a diverse group of herbivorous sawflies associated with various woody and herbaceous plants. The species has been documented in Canada, particularly Ontario, with limited observational records available.
Nematus castaneae
Nematus castaneae is a species of sawfly in the family Tenthredinidae. It is associated with chestnut trees (Castanea spp.), though specific ecological details remain poorly documented. The species is part of a community of insects historically linked to American chestnut (Castanea dentata), which experienced severe population decline following the introduction of chestnut blight fungus in the early 20th century. Like other Nematus species, it likely has a holometabolous life cycle with larval stages that feed on host plant foliage.
Nematus corylus
Nematus corylus is a species of sawfly in the family Tenthredinidae. The specific epithet 'corylus' indicates an association with Corylus (hazelnut), suggesting this species is likely a specialist on plants in this genus. Sawflies in the genus Nematus are herbivorous, with larvae that feed externally on host plant foliage. The species is rarely encountered, with only three observations documented on iNaturalist.
Nematus curvarius
Nematus curvarius is a species of sawfly in the family Tenthredinidae. As a member of the suborder Symphyta, it lacks the narrow waist characteristic of wasps, bees, and ants. The species is documented in limited observations, suggesting it may be uncommon or underreported. Like other Nematus species, it likely has herbivorous larval stages associated with woody plants.
Nematus erythrogaster
Nematus cf. erythrogaster is a tentative identification for a sawfly in the genus Nematus, distinguished by its reddish-orange abdominal coloration. The 'cf.' designation indicates morphological similarity to N. erythrogaster without confirmed species-level identification. Sawflies in this genus are herbivorous and often associated with willow (Salix) or poplar (Populus) host plants. The genus Nematus is widespread in the Holarctic region, with numerous species exhibiting similar color patterns that complicate field identification.
Nematus laticulus
Nematus laticulus is a species of sawfly in the family Tenthredinidae, subfamily Nematinae. It is a small, slender sawfly associated with willow (Salix) hosts. The species was described by Villaret in 1832 and is part of a large genus of primarily Holarctic distribution. Adults are active in spring and early summer.
Neodiprion abietis
balsam fir sawfly
Neodiprion abietis, the balsam fir sawfly, is a conifer-feeding sawfly native to North America. Larvae are gregarious defoliators that feed preferentially on balsam fir (Abies balsamea) needles, with outbreaks capable of causing significant tree mortality in eastern Canadian forests. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in development, with females typically undergoing six instars over 35 days and males five instars over 30 days. Population dynamics are strongly regulated by a host-specific nucleopolyhedrovirus (NeabNPV), which has been developed as a registered biological insecticide (Abietiv™) for outbreak management.
Neodiprion edulicolus
Pinyon Sawfly, Pinyon Pine Sawfly
Neodiprion edulicolus, the pinyon pine sawfly, is a conifer-feeding sawfly endemic to the Intermountain Region of western North America. The species periodically undergoes population outbreaks causing extensive defoliation of singleleaf pinyon pine (Pinus monophylla), with over 100,000 acres affected during documented events in 1965-1966 in eastern Nevada. Unlike bark beetles and fungi that typically dominate conifer health concerns, this folivore can render host trees commercially unfit for Christmas tree sales. Outbreaks have historically been short-lived, with populations declining due to climatic factors and parasitoid pressure.
Neodiprion excitans
Black-headed Pine Sawfly
Neodiprion excitans, commonly known as the Black-headed Pine Sawfly, is a conifer-feeding sawfly in the family Diprionidae. It is native to eastern North America, with documented populations in North Carolina and surrounding regions. Like other members of its genus, it is a folivore that feeds on pine needles and can cause significant defoliation during outbreak conditions. The species has been studied for its population dynamics and ecological interactions in pine forest ecosystems.
Neodiprion fabricii
Fabricius's Sawfly
Neodiprion fabricii is a conifer sawfly species in the family Diprionidae, native to eastern North America. The larvae are folivores that feed on pine needles, with young larvae consuming partial needles and older larvae eating entire needles. This species is one of approximately 25 conifer sawfly species found in eastern U.S. forests and occasionally contributes to localized defoliation events. Adults are stingless wasps with a saw-like ovipositor used to insert eggs into conifer foliage.
Neodiprion hetricki
Neodiprion hetricki is a species of conifer sawfly in the family Diprionidae, described by Ross in 1955. Like other members of the genus Neodiprion, it is a folivore specialized on conifer needles. The species is part of a diverse sawfly fauna in eastern North America that includes at least 25 conifer-feeding species. Specific biological details for N. hetricki remain poorly documented compared to better-studied congeners such as N. lecontei.
Neodiprion lecontei
red-headed pine sawfly, Leconte's sawfly
Neodiprion lecontei is a pine-feeding sawfly native to eastern North America, commonly known as the red-headed pine sawfly. Adults are small (5–8.5 mm), sexually dimorphic, and active in spring and summer. Larvae are gregarious defoliators of pine needles, capable of stripping entire branches and causing significant damage to young trees and plantations. The species exhibits complex population dynamics with one to three generations per year depending on latitude, and has been extensively studied as a model for host-associated differentiation, gene expression decoupling across life stages, and baculovirus pathology.
Neodiprion nanulus
Red Pine Sawfly
Neodiprion nanulus, commonly known as the Red Pine Sawfly, is a conifer-feeding sawfly in the family Diprionidae. It is a specialist herbivore associated with red pine (Pinus resinosa). The species has been documented in the Maritime Provinces of Canada, with an isolated infestation studied near Fredericton, New Brunswick. Like other members of the genus, it likely undergoes larval development in gregarious groups and overwinters in cocoons in the duff beneath host trees.
Neodiprion pinetum
White Pine Sawfly
Neodiprion pinetum is a conifer-feeding sawfly native to eastern North America. Adults are broad-bodied, stingless wasps with females bearing a saw-like ovipositor used to insert eggs into pine needles. Larvae are creamy-yellow with black heads and four longitudinal rows of black spots, resembling caterpillars but possessing more prolegs. The species is frequently monophagous on eastern white pine (Pinus strobus), though larvae have been documented on several other pine species. Localized outbreaks occur regularly and can kill small stands of host trees, though natural enemies including egg and larval parasitoids typically provide substantial biological control.
Neodiprion pratti
Virginia pine sawfly, jack pine sawfly
Neodiprion pratti is a conifer sawfly native to North America with documented populations in Canada and the eastern United States. The species exhibits complex host-associated population structure, with distinct populations adapted to specific pine hosts including Virginia pine (Pinus virginiana), jack pine (Pinus banksiana), sand pine (Pinus clausa), slash pine (Pinus elliottii), and longleaf pine (Pinus palustris). Populations show significant variation in life history, with northern forms typically univoltine and a distinctive West Florida population exhibiting winter-active phenology with adults emerging in October-November.
Neodiprion pratti pratti
Virginia pine sawfly
Neodiprion pratti pratti, the Virginia pine sawfly, is a conifer-feeding sawfly native to eastern North America. It is a univoltine species with larvae that feed gregariously on pine needles, particularly Virginia pine (Pinus virginiana) and pitch pine (Pinus rigida). The subspecies exhibits a distinctive winter-active life history in some populations, with adults emerging in late autumn and larvae feeding during the cool season. This phenology allows escape from egg parasitoids but exposes small larvae to periodic mortality from freezing events and ice storms.
Neodiprion virginianus
Neodiprion virginianus is a conifer sawfly (Hymenoptera: Diprionidae) that feeds on jack pine (Pinus banksiana). It is part of a species complex with variable taxonomy. The species has been documented causing localized defoliation outbreaks in northeastern North America, with populations capable of sudden collapse. Larvae are gregarious folivores that consume pine needles.
Neoptilia
hollyhock sawflies, purple sawfly
Neoptilia is a genus of sawflies in the family Argidae, first described by Ashmead in 1898. The genus contains at least two recognized species: N. malvacearum (hollyhock sawfly) and N. tora (purple sawfly). These are herbivorous insects with larvae that feed on host plants. As argid sawflies, they lack the narrow waist characteristic of many other hymenopterans and possess a broad connection between thorax and abdomen.
Neoptilia tora
Mallow Sawfly
Neoptilia tora is a species of sawfly in the family Argidae, commonly known as the Mallow Sawfly. The species is associated with mallow plants (Malvaceae) as a host. It belongs to the suborder Symphyta, which comprises the sawflies—distinguishable from other Hymenoptera by their broad connection between thorax and abdomen without the narrow "wasp waist" characteristic of Apocrita.
Nesoselandria
Nesoselandria is a monotypic genus of sawflies in the family Tenthredinidae, containing only the species Nesoselandria morio. The genus is distributed across the Nearctic realm, Europe, Siberia, and Japan. The sole species is small, with a black body and yellow-orange legs.
Nesoselandria morio
Moss Sawfly
Nesoselandria morio is a species of sawfly in the family Tenthredinidae, and is the sole member of the genus Nesoselandria. It is commonly known as the Moss Sawfly. The species has been recorded in parts of Europe, particularly Belgium, and in Canada. As a sawfly, it belongs to the suborder Symphyta, which are distinguished from other Hymenoptera by a broad connection between the thorax and abdomen without the narrow waist (petiole) seen in ants, bees, and wasps.
Onycholyda
Onycholyda is a genus of sawflies in the family Pamphiliidae, established by Takeuchi in 1938. Species occur in Europe, North America, and China. Larvae feed on Rubus species (Rosaceae), with documented associations including Rubus inopertus and R. hirsutus. The genus includes at least six described species, with some larval stages and male specimens only recently described.
Onycholyda quebecensis
Onycholyda quebecensis is a species of sawfly in the family Pamphiliidae, order Hymenoptera. As a member of this family, it is a non-stinging relative of wasps and bees with larvae that develop on plants. The species epithet 'quebecensis' indicates a geographic connection to Quebec, Canada. Very few observations of this species exist in public databases.
Onycholyda rufofasciata
Onycholyda rufofasciata is a species of web-spinning sawfly in the family Pamphiliidae, first described by Norton in 1869. The species is recorded from multiple Canadian provinces including Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland. As a member of Pamphiliidae, it likely produces silk webbing on host plants during larval development, though specific biological details remain poorly documented. The genus Onycholyda contains approximately 20 species distributed primarily in the Holarctic region.
Orussidae
parasitic wood wasps, parasitoid wood wasps
Orussidae is a small family of approximately 93 extant species of parasitoid sawflies. They occupy a pivotal phylogenetic position as the sister taxon to the megadiverse Apocrita, indicating that parasitism evolved in the common ancestor of Orussidae + Apocrita. Adults are rarely encountered, typically found on sun-exposed dead wood where females use vibrational sounding to locate concealed hosts. Larvae are the only carnivorous sawfly larvae known, acting as parasitoids of wood-boring beetles and other Hymenoptera.
Pamphilius
leaf-rolling sawflies
Pamphilius is a genus of approximately 115 species of leaf-rolling sawflies in the family Pamphiliidae. Adults are typically 10–15 mm in length with black bodies, yellowish spots on the head, yellow legs, and transparent wings. Larvae are solitary or colonial leaf-rollers that feed on various deciduous trees and shrubs. The genus has a Holarctic distribution, occurring in North America and Eurasia.
Pamphilius middlekauffi
Pamphilius middlekauffi is a species of sawfly in the family Pamphiliidae, suborder Symphyta. It is one of 30 sawfly species newly recorded in Arkansas during field work by Dr. Michael Skvarla, representing a significant range extension from previously known localities. The species belongs to a group of plant-feeding wasps whose larvae develop on plant material.
Pamphilius murrayi
Pamphilius murrayi is a species of web-spinning sawfly in the family Pamphiliidae, suborder Symphyta. Like other members of its genus, it is a plant-feeding wasp with larvae that develop on host plants. The species belongs to a group of sawflies characterized by a serrated ovipositor used to insert eggs into plant tissue. Records of this species are sparse, with limited observational data available.
Pamphilius semicinctus
Pamphilius semicinctus is a species of web-spinning sawfly in the family Pamphiliidae, suborder Symphyta. As with other members of this genus, the larvae construct silk webs on host plants for protection while feeding. The species belongs to a group of plant-feeding wasps that are economically insignificant and harmless to humans. Specific details regarding its distribution and biology remain poorly documented in available literature.
Paracharactus
Paracharactus is a genus of sawflies in the family Tenthredinidae, subfamily Blennocampinae. The genus contains at least two described species: P. gracilicornis and P. hyalinus. It is recorded from northern Europe including Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. As a member of the subfamily Blennocampinae, it belongs to a group of sawflies often associated with herbaceous vegetation.
Paracharactus rudis
Paracharactus rudis is a species of sawfly in the family Tenthredinidae, first described by Norton in 1861. It belongs to a genus of sawflies whose members are associated with woody plants. The species is recorded from multiple provinces across Canada including Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Quebec. Sawflies in this family are herbivorous in the larval stage, with many species being economically significant pests of trees and shrubs.
Pergidae
pergid sawflies
Pergidae is the third-largest family of sawflies (Hymenoptera: Symphyta), with approximately 450 described species. The family is distributed primarily in the Australasian and Neotropical regions, with South America and Australia representing the greatest diversity. Members exhibit considerable morphological variation in antennae structure, ranging from simple to pectinate or bipectinate forms, and frequently display sexual dimorphism. Several species are economically significant as agricultural pests or livestock toxins, while others have been evaluated as biological control agents.
Periclista
common sawflies
Periclista is a genus of sawflies in the family Tenthredinidae, subfamily Blennocampinae, comprising at least 20 described species. Larvae are external feeders on oak (Quercus) and hickory (Carya) foliage. The genus is distinguished by larval morphology, particularly the presence of branched dorsal spines. Adults are typical of the family, with a broad connection between thorax and abdomen lacking the constricted waist seen in other Hymenoptera.
Periclista albicollis
Periclista albicollis is a species of sawfly in the family Tenthredinidae. The genus Periclista comprises approximately 20 North American species whose larvae feed on oak and hickory. Larvae of Periclista species are distinguished by bifurcate (branched) dorsal processes, which separate them from superficially similar lepidopteran caterpillars. The specific epithet 'albicollis' refers to a white collar marking, though detailed species-level descriptions remain limited in accessible literature.
Periclista major
Periclista major is a species of sawfly in the family Tenthredinidae, subfamily Blennocampinae. Sawflies are hymenopterans whose larvae superficially resemble lepidopteran caterpillars but possess six or more pairs of prolegs rather than five or fewer. The genus Periclista contains approximately 20 North American species, with larvae typically associated with oak and hickory foliage.
Periclista marginicollis
Periclista marginicollis is a sawfly species in the family Tenthredinidae, subfamily Blennocampinae. Larvae are recognized by their green coloration and distinctive bifurcate (branched) dorsal spines. The species has a widespread eastern North American distribution and develops on oak and hickory host plants. Adults are rarely encountered compared to larvae, which feed externally on foliage.
Perineurini
Perineurini is a tribe of sawflies within the family Tenthredinidae. Members of this tribe are small to medium-sized sawflies that feed on various plants. The tribe is not well-studied, and many aspects of their biology remain poorly documented.
Phrontosoma belfragei
Phrontosoma belfragei is a species of sawfly in the family Tenthredinidae, first described by Cresson in 1880. It is a member of the genus Phrontosoma, a group of hymenopterans within the order Hymenoptera. The species has been recorded from multiple Canadian provinces including Alberta, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, and Ontario. Very little is known about its biology or ecology.
Phylloecus
Phylloecus is a genus of stem sawflies in the family Cephidae, first described by Edward Newman in 1838. The genus was reclassified in 2014 when Hartigia was synonymized with Phylloecus. Members of this genus are distributed across the Holarctic region, with species recorded from Europe, Asia, and North America. The genus contains approximately 30 described species.
Phymatocera rusculla
Phymatocera rusculla is a species of sawfly in the family Tenthredinidae. Sawflies in this genus are associated with ferns, with larvae feeding on fronds. The species is poorly documented in scientific literature.
Phymatocerini
Phymatocerini is a small tribe of sawflies within the family Tenthredinidae, comprising approximately 7 genera and 11 described species. Members of this tribe are part of the suborder Symphyta, characterized by a broad connection between the thorax and abdomen rather than the constricted waist seen in most other Hymenoptera. The tribe is taxonomically compact and represents a distinct lineage within the common sawflies.
Pleroneura
Pleroneura is a genus of sawflies in the family Xyelidae whose larvae are bud miners and shoot borers of fir (Abies) and spruce (Picea) species. Larvae feed within developing buds and shoots of conifers, with multiple species sometimes co-occurring on the same host tree. The genus occurs primarily in North America and Asia, with documented species attacking white fir in California, balsam fir in eastern North America, and Sakhalin spruce in Japan. Species-level taxonomy remains problematic, with recognition not currently based on fundamental characters.
Pleroneura bruneicornis
Balsam Shootboring Sawfly
Pleroneura bruneicornis is a species of sawfly in the family Xyelidae, commonly known as the Balsam Shootboring Sawfly. The species is associated with Abies (fir) hosts, particularly balsam fir. It belongs to a primitive lineage of Hymenoptera characterized by distinctive larval feeding habits in conifer shoots. The species is rarely observed, with limited occurrence records.