Skeletonization
Guides
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.
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.
Cladius
Cladius is a genus of sawflies in the family Tenthredinidae, comprising approximately 17 described species. These insects are known primarily as pests of rose plants, with larvae that feed on leaf tissue causing skeletonization and defoliation. The genus includes notable species such as the Bristly Rose Slug (Cladius difformis) and the Bristley Rose Sawfly (Cladius pectinicornis), both of which cause significant damage to cultivated roses in gardens and horticultural settings.
Cladius pectinicornis
bristly rose sawfly
Cladius pectinicornis is a Palearctic sawfly whose larvae are known as bristly rose slugs, significant pests of cultivated roses. The small wasp-like adults exhibit striking sexual dimorphism in antennae structure, with males bearing pectinate (comb-like) antennae. Larvae skeletonize rose leaves by feeding on tissue between vascular bundles, and can cause severe defoliation when abundant. The species has been introduced to North America, where it occurs on both coasts and ranges from Nova Scotia to British Columbia.
Endelomyia
roseslug sawfly
Endelomyia is a genus of sawflies in the family Tenthredinidae, containing at least two described species. The genus is best known for Endelomyia aethiops, commonly called the roseslug sawfly, a significant pest of cultivated roses. Larvae feed on rose foliage, producing characteristic skeletonization damage by removing soft tissue between leaf veins. The genus can be distinguished from the related slugworm genus Caliroa by antennal characters and wing venation.
Endelomyia aethiops
roseslug, rose slug sawfly, roseslug sawfly
Endelomyia aethiops, commonly known as the roseslug or rose slug sawfly, is a species of common sawfly in the family Tenthredinidae. The larvae are significant pests of cultivated roses, causing characteristic skeletonization damage by feeding on leaf tissue between vascular bundles. Adults are small, wasp-like insects that emerge in spring to lay eggs on rose foliage. The species has a single generation per year in most regions, with larvae active primarily in May and June.
Odontota dorsalis
locust leaf miner, locust leafminer
Odontota dorsalis, commonly known as the locust leaf miner, is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is native to North America and feeds primarily on black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) and related species in the Fabaceae family. The beetle is known for producing distinctive 'scorched' damage on host trees, caused by both adult skeletonization and larval leaf mining. Two generations occur annually in most of its range.
Plagiodera versicolora
Willow Leaf Beetle, Imported Willow Leaf Beetle
Plagiodera versicolora is a small leaf beetle in the subfamily Chrysomelinae, commonly known as the willow leaf beetle or imported willow leaf beetle. Native to Europe and the Mediterranean region, it has been introduced to North America and occurs in parts of Asia. The species is a specialist herbivore on Salicaceae, feeding on willow and poplar leaves throughout its life cycle. Adults overwinter in protected locations and become active in spring, with multiple generations developing through summer. The species has been extensively studied for its chemosensory biology, host plant interactions, and as a model for understanding insect-plant coevolution.