Waxy-secretion
Guides
Eriocampa
woolly sawflies
Eriocampa is a small Holarctic genus of sawflies in the family Tenthredinidae comprising approximately five to ten described extant species. The genus is characterized by larvae that produce conspicuous white waxy secretions, giving them a woolly appearance that likely serves as a defense against predators and parasitoids. Several species are economically significant as defoliators of woody plants, including Eriocampa juglandis (butternut woollyworm) on walnut and hickory, and Eriocampa ovata (woolly alder sawfly) on alder. The genus has a debated taxonomic history, with various classifications placing it in different subfamilies within Tenthredinidae.
Macremphytus
Dogwood Sawflies
Macremphytus is a genus of common sawflies in the family Tenthredinidae, comprising at least four described species. The best-known member is Macremphytus tarsatus, commonly called the dogwood sawfly, which is a significant defoliator of dogwood trees in North America. Sawflies in this genus are herbivorous, with larvae feeding on leaves of woody plants. The genus exhibits distinctive larval traits including waxy secretions and overwintering behaviors in wood.