Sawfly

XN Tenthredo mesomela

Sawfly (Nematus miliaris) larvae

Dolerus nitens

Entomologie1

Xyelapusilla

Diprionpini crop

Sawfly (Symphyta) is a suborder of insects within the order Hymenoptera, which also includes bees, wasps, and ants. Unlike other hymenopterans, sawflies lack a narrow waist connecting the thorax to the abdomen. The name "sawfly" derives from the saw-like appearance of the ovipositor, which the females use to cut into the plants where they lay their eggs. Sawflies are considered pests in forestry and agriculture, as their larvae often feed on the foliage of trees and shrubs, leading to significant damage.

Description

Sawflies are characterized by their "saw-like" ovipositor, which females use to insert eggs into plant tissue. They have two pairs of wings, with the front pair being larger than the rear. Unlike other members of Hymenoptera, sawflies have a broad connection between the thorax and abdomen. 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 a sawfly includes four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Females lay eggs in plants, which hatch into larvae. The larvae feed on the host plant, causing damage to foliage. After feeding, they enter the pupal stage, either in the soil or in the plant tissue, emerging as adults to repeat the cycle. Some species have several generations per year.

Ecology

Sawflies play a role in the ecosystem both as pests and as part of the food chain. While larvae can cause significant damage to crops and forests, they are also an important food source for many predators, including birds and beneficial insects. The adult sawflies primarily feed on nectar and pollen, contributing to plant pollination.

Control

Managing sawfly populations in agricultural and forestry settings often involves a combination of biological, chemical, and cultural control methods. Biological control includes the use of natural predators, such as birds and parasitoid wasps. Chemical control can be effective but may also impact non-target species and the environment. Cultural practices, such as crop rotation and the removal of infested plant material, can help reduce sawfly populations.