Tenthredinidae

Tenthredopsis sordida female

Xenapates larvae and pupae

Cladius difformis larva

Cladius difformis pupa dorsal

Cladius difformis pupa ventral

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Cladius difformis female

Tenthredinidae, commonly known as sawflies, are a large family of insects belonging to the order Hymenoptera, which also includes bees, wasps, and ants. Tenthredinidae are distinguished by their "saw-like" ovipositor, which females use to cut into plant material to lay their eggs. This family encompasses a diverse range of species, with over 7,000 identified worldwide, making it the largest family within the Symphyta, or non-apocrita, suborder of Hymenoptera.

Description

Members of the Tenthredinidae family vary significantly in size and color, but they generally share certain morphological features. Adults typically have two pairs of membranous wings, with the forewings larger than the hindwings. Their antennae are straight and consist of multiple segments. Unlike the wasps they superficially resemble, sawflies do not have a constricted waist. The larvae resemble caterpillars and are often mistaken for them, but can be distinguished by the number of prolegs, with sawfly larvae having more than five pairs.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of Tenthredinidae includes four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Females use their ovipositor to insert eggs into plants. Upon hatching, the larvae feed on the host plant, which can sometimes lead to significant agricultural damage. After feeding and growing, the larvae pupate, often in the soil or in a cocoon attached to foliage. The adult sawfly emerges from the pupa to continue the cycle. Some species have multiple generations per year, while others may have only one.

Ecology

Tenthredinidae larvae are primarily herbivorous, feeding on a wide range of plants, including trees, shrubs, and grasses. Some species are highly specialized, feeding on a single plant species, while others are more generalist. This feeding can lead to defoliation and other forms of plant damage, making some Tenthredinidae species significant pests in forestry and agriculture.

Adult sawflies are often found on flowers, where they feed on nectar and pollen. They play a role in the pollination of some plant species, although they are generally not as effective as bees.

Economic Importance

While many Tenthredinidae species are harmless, several are considered pests due to their potential to cause significant damage to crops, forests, and ornamental plants. Control methods include the use of insecticides, biological control agents (such as parasitoid wasps or pathogens), and cultural practices designed to reduce the impact of infestations.

Conservation

The conservation status of Tenthredinidae species varies widely. While many species are common and not of concern, others are rare and may be threatened by habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change. Conservation efforts for these insects focus on habitat preservation and the reduction of pesticide use.

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