Xyelid
Guides
Macroxyela
Macroxyela is a genus of sawflies in the family Xyelidae, the oldest living family of Hymenoptera. These primitive sawflies are characterized by their relatively large size compared to other xyelids and distinctive antennae with elongated third segments. The genus comprises several species distributed primarily in the Holarctic region. Macroxyela species are associated with coniferous trees, particularly pines, where larvae feed on pollen and developing cones.
Macroxyela ferruginea
Macroxyela ferruginea is a sawfly in the family Xyelidae, one of the most ancient lineages of Hymenoptera. This species belongs to a genus characterized by relatively large size among xyelid sawflies and association with coniferous hosts. Xyelidae are considered living fossils, retaining morphological traits found in the earliest known fossil Hymenoptera from the Triassic and Jurassic periods.
Megaxyela major
Megaxyela major is a species of sawfly in the family Xyelidae, one of the most primitive families of Hymenoptera. The genus Megaxyela contains some of the largest xyelid sawflies. Species in this genus are associated with walnut (Juglans) and hickory (Carya) trees as hosts for their larvae.
Xyela middlekauffi
Xyela middlekauffi is a species of sawfly in the family Xyelidae, one of the most primitive lineages within Hymenoptera. Species in this genus are associated with conifer hosts, particularly pines. Xyela middlekauffi has been documented from a limited number of observations, suggesting either restricted distribution or low detectability. Like other xyelids, adults likely have short life spans and are active during early spring.
Xyelinae
xyeline sawflies
Xyelinae is a subfamily of primitive sawflies within the family Xyelidae, representing one of the earliest-diverging lineages of Hymenoptera. Members are small to medium-sized insects with distinctive morphological features including broad heads and relatively short antennae. The subfamily includes extant genera such as Xyela and Pleroneura, with larvae that develop in plant tissues. Xyelinae sawflies are primarily associated with conifers, particularly pines, where they exhibit specialized host relationships.