Symphyta
Guides
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 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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Calameuta
Calameuta is a genus of stem sawflies (family Cephidae) established by Friedrich Wilhelm Konow in 1896. The genus comprises approximately 14 described species distributed across Europe and North America. Members of this genus are associated with grasses and sedges, reflecting the family-wide ecological pattern of Cephidae. The genus is taxonomically stable and well-represented in entomological collections.
Cephidae
Stem Sawflies
Cephidae is a family of stem sawflies in the order Hymenoptera, comprising approximately 27 genera and over 160 described species. Most species occur in the Northern Hemisphere, particularly in Eurasia. Larvae are endophagous stem borers in various plants, especially grasses and cereal grains, with several species being significant agricultural pests including Cephus cinctus on wheat and Janus rufiventris on corn. Adults are exceptionally slender for symphytans and often resemble other insects.
Cephus
stem sawflies
Cephus is a genus of stem sawflies in the family Cephidae, first described by Latreille in 1802. Members are found in Europe and North America. These insects are notable for their cylindrical, wasp-like bodies and their habit of boring into grass stems.
Cimbicidae
Club-horned Sawflies, Clubhorn Sawflies
Cimbicidae is a small family of large-bodied sawflies in the suborder Symphyta, characterized by antennae with prominent apical clubs or knobs. Adults of some species exceed 3 cm in length and rank among the heaviest of all Hymenoptera. The family contains approximately 20 genera and 200 described species worldwide. Larvae are solitary herbivores that feed on plant foliage.
Dolerini
Dolerini is a tribe of sawflies in the subfamily Selandriinae, comprising two genera: Dolerus Panzer and Prionourgus Goulet. Dolerus, the dominant genus, contains 72 Nearctic species organized into seven subgenera and one species group, while Prionourgus is monotypic. Members are distinguished by structural characters used in cladistic analyses to reconstruct species relationships. The tribe has undergone extensive taxonomic revision, with numerous new species and subgenera described from across the Nearctic region.
Dolerus neoagcistus
Dolerus neoagcistus is a species of sawfly in the family Tenthredinidae. Sawflies are non-stinging relatives of wasps, bees, and ants, distinguished from other Hymenoptera by a broad connection between the thorax and abdomen (lacking the narrow 'wasp waist'). As a member of the genus Dolerus, this species is part of a group whose larvae are herbivorous and often resemble caterpillars. The species has been documented in 11 observations on iNaturalist, indicating it is relatively rarely recorded.
Dolerus nortoni
Dolerus nortoni is a species of sawfly in the family Tenthredinidae. Sawflies are non-stinging relatives of wasps, bees, and ants, distinguished by a broad connection between the thorax and abdomen (lacking the narrow 'wasp waist' of Apocrita). The genus Dolerus comprises numerous species, many of which are associated with grasses and sedges. Adults are typically active in spring and early summer.
Euura appalachia
Euura appalachia is a species of sawfly in the family Tenthredinidae, subfamily Nematinae. The species name suggests an association with the Appalachian region of eastern North America. As a member of the genus Euura, it belongs to a group commonly known as willow sawflies, many of which are specialized feeders on willow species (Salix). Specific biological details for E. appalachia remain poorly documented in available literature.
Fenella
Fenella is a genus of sawflies in the family Tenthredinidae, order Hymenoptera. These insects are part of the suborder Symphyta, which includes sawflies, horntails, and woodwasps—distinguished from other Hymenoptera by the lack of a narrow 'wasp waist' (petiole) between thorax and abdomen. The genus was established by A. Adams in 1864. Fenella species are relatively small, understudied sawflies with limited published ecological data.
Haymatus blassus
Haymatus blassus is a species of sawfly in the family Tenthredinidae, described by Smith in 1979. As a member of the suborder Symphyta, it lacks the narrow waist characteristic of wasps, bees, and ants in the suborder Apocrita. The genus Haymatus is a small group within the diverse sawfly family Tenthredinidae, which contains over 5,000 described species worldwide.
Hoplocampini
Hoplocampini is a tribe of sawflies in the family Tenthredinidae, suborder Symphyta. Members are small to medium-sized sawflies, many of which are associated with rosaceous plants. The tribe includes economically significant species that feed on fruits such as apples, pears, and cherries. Adults are generally inconspicuous, while larvae often cause damage to developing fruits or foliage.
Janus
Janus is a genus of stem sawflies in the family Cephidae, established by Stephens in 1829. These insects belong to the suborder Symphyta, the primitive sawflies that lack the narrow waist characteristic of most other Hymenoptera. The genus name Janus refers to the Roman two-faced god, though the specific morphological basis for this naming in the context of these insects is not documented in available sources. Members of this genus are part of a small family of herbivorous insects whose larvae bore into plant stems.
Lagium atroviolaceum
Lagium atroviolaceum is a species of sawfly in the family Tenthredinidae. It is a member of the suborder Symphyta, which are characterized by a broad connection between the thorax and abdomen without the narrow 'wasp waist' seen in other Hymenoptera. The species is known from eastern Canada and has been documented through a moderate number of observations. As with other tenthredinid sawflies, adults are likely associated with vegetation while larvae are phytophagous, though specific biological details remain limited.
Macrophya cassandra
Macrophya cassandra is a species of sawfly in the family Tenthredinidae, first described by William Kirby in 1882. The species belongs to the subfamily Tenthredininae and tribe Macrophyini. It is native to eastern Canada, with records from Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Quebec. As a member of the genus Macrophya, it shares characteristics with other sawflies in this group, including herbivorous larval feeding habits, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Macrophya pulchella
Macrophya pulchella is a species of sawfly in the family Tenthredinidae, subfamily Tenthredininae. The genus Macrophya is a diverse group of sawflies found primarily in the Northern Hemisphere. Distribution records indicate this species occurs in eastern Canada, specifically Ontario and Quebec. As with other members of the genus, adults are likely associated with flowering vegetation, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Megaxyela tricolor
Megaxyela tricolor is a species of sawfly in the family Xyelidae, the most primitive living family of Hymenoptera. The genus Megaxyela is characterized by its large body size relative to other xyelids. This species is known from Canada, with records from Ontario. Xyelid sawflies are typically associated with coniferous hosts, though specific host records for M. tricolor are not well documented.
Monophadnoides osgoodi
Monophadnoides osgoodi is a sawfly species in the family Tenthredinidae, suborder Symphyta. The genus Monophadnoides belongs to the subfamily Blennocampinae. Sawflies in this genus are plant-feeding wasps whose larvae feed on leaves. The species name honors a collector, following the pattern of other species in the genus such as M. conspiculatus and M. rubi.
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.
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.
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 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.
Neurotoma
Neurotoma is a genus of sawflies in the family Pamphiliidae, established by Konow in 1897. The genus contains approximately twelve described species distributed across Europe, Southeastern Asia, and North America. At least one Nearctic species, N. crataegi, has been documented feeding on hawthorn (Crataegus sp.) as larvae. The genus belongs to the suborder Symphyta, representing one of the more species-rich genera within the relatively small family Pamphiliidae.
Orussus minutus
Orussus minutus is a rarely collected parasitic woodwasp in the family Orussidae, native to the eastern United States. The species is notable for its significant western range expansion documented through citizen science platforms and museum collections. Previously known from only about 50 specimens mainly in the Northeast, new records from Arkansas, Iowa, Minnesota, and Manitoba extend its range hundreds of miles westward. The species is extremely uncommon in collections despite intensive trapping efforts.
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 pallimaculus
Pamphilius pallimaculus is a species of web-spinning sawfly in the family Pamphiliidae. It is one of 30 sawfly species newly documented in Arkansas through field research 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 spin protective webs on host plants.
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.
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 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.
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.
Pristiphora
Pristiphora is a genus of sawflies in the family Tenthredinidae. Species within this genus are known for their larval feeding on leaves of various plants, with some species causing significant economic damage to trees and shrubs. The genus includes notable pests such as the larch sawfly (Pristiphora erichsonii), which defoliates tamarack and other larch species. Adults are small, dark-colored wasp-like insects with two pairs of wings.
Pristiphora abbreviata
Pear Tree Sawyer
Pristiphora abbreviata is a sawfly species in the family Tenthredinidae, commonly known as the Pear Tree Sawyer. Sawflies are primitive wasps in the suborder Symphyta, distinguished from higher wasps by the absence of a narrow waist between thorax and abdomen. Females possess a saw-like ovipositor used to insert eggs into plant tissue. The species has been documented in Canada (British Columbia, Ontario), Denmark, and Norway.
Pristiphora serrula
Pristiphora serrula is a species of sawfly in the family Tenthredinidae, subfamily Nematinae. As a member of the genus Pristiphora, it belongs to a group of sawflies commonly associated with feeding on various woody plants. The genus Pristiphora includes numerous species that are significant defoliators of trees and shrubs, with larvae typically feeding externally on leaves. Specific biological details for P. serrula are limited in the available literature.
Sphacophilus
Sphacophilus is a genus of sawflies in the family Argidae, established by Provancher in 1888. The genus comprises over 30 described species of argid sawflies, which are herbivorous insects in the suborder Symphyta. These sawflies lack the narrow waist characteristic of many other Hymenoptera.
Stethomostus fuliginosus
Smoky Buttercup Sawfly
Stethomostus fuliginosus is a species of sawfly in the family Tenthredinidae, commonly known as the Smoky Buttercup Sawfly. It is a member of the suborder Symphyta, distinguished from other Hymenoptera by the broad connection between its thorax and abdomen. The species has been documented in parts of Europe and North America.
Tenthredinidae
Common Sawflies
Tenthredinidae is the largest family of sawflies, comprising over 7,500 species in 430 genera worldwide. Adults lack the constricted "wasp waist" typical of many Hymenoptera, instead showing broad connection between thorax and abdomen. Larvae are primarily external feeders on foliage of trees and shrubs, with some species exhibiting leaf-mining, stem-boring, or gall-forming habits. The family is divided into seven subfamilies, with Tenthredininae and Allantinae forming sister groups.
Tenthredo basilaris
Tenthredo basilaris is a sawfly species in the family Tenthredinidae. Sawflies in this genus lack the narrow "wasp waist" characteristic of many other Hymenoptera, with the abdomen broadly attached to the thorax. Adults are often observed on flowers and consume both plant material and small insects. The species is part of a diverse genus containing approximately 118 species in the United States and Canada.