Sawflies are the insects of the suborder Symphyta within the order Hymenoptera alongside ants, bees and wasps. The common name comes from the saw-like appearance of the ovipositor, which the females use to cut into the plants where they lay their eggs. The name is associated especially with the Tenthredinoidea, by far the largest superfamily in the suborder, with about 7,000 known species; in the entire suborder, there are 8,000 described species in more than 800 genera. Symphyta is paraphyletic, consisting of several basal groups within the order Hymenoptera, each one rooted inside the previous group, ending with the Apocrita which are not sawflies.
The spitfire sawfly is a hymenopteran insect found in Australia. It is up to 22 mm long. It has two pairs of wings, with a wingspan up to 40 mm. Its wings are honey colored. Its larvae are up to 80 mm long, and somewhat resemble a caterpillar.
Arge pagana is a sawfly in the family Argidae. It is known by the name "large rose sawfly" although the related species Arge ochropus is also known by this name.
Arginae is a subfamily of argid sawflies in the family Argidae. There are about 12 genera and more than 400 described species in Arginae.
Arge cyanocrocea, the bramble sawfly, is a species of sawflies of the family Argidae, subfamily Arginae.
Arge ochropus, the rose sawfly, is a species belonging to the family Argidae subfamily Arginae.
Arge is a genus of sawflies belonging to the family Argidae subfamily Arginae.
Arge melanochroa is a species of the family Argidae, subfamily Arginae.
Arge berberidis, common name berberis sawfly, is a species of sawflies belonging to the family Argidae subfamily Arginae.
Tomostethus multicinctus, common name brownheaded ash sawfly, is a species of sawfly in the family Tenthredinidae that is native to southern Canada and the eastern United States. Adults of this species resemble wasps and the larvae feed on the leaves of ash trees.
Hoplocampa testudinea, the apple sawfly or European apple sawfly, is a species of sawfly in the family Tenthredinidae. It is native to Europe but has been accidentally introduced into North America where it became invasive. The larvae feed inside the developing fruits of the apple tree.
Neodiprion pinetum is a species of sawfly in the family Diprionidae. It is commonly known as the white pine sawfly, a name sometimes also applied to Diprion similis, because the larvae of both species feed on the needles of the white pine.
Acantholyda erythrocephala is a species of sawfly in the family Pamphiliidae commonly known as the red-headed pine sawfly or the pine false webworm. Native to Europe, it has been introduced into North America where it has become invasive.
Eriocampa ovata, known generally as the alder sawfly or woolly alder sawfly, is a species of common sawfly in the family Tenthredinidae. The larvae feed on the leaves of the common alder and the grey alder, sometimes causing defoliation.
Neoptilia is a genus of argid sawflies in the family Argidae. There are at least two described species in Neoptilia.
Fenusa is a genus of common sawflies in the family Tenthredinidae. There are about 11 described species in Fenusa.
Arge pectoralis, the birch sawfly, is a species of argid sawfly in the family Argidae.
Arge humeralis, the poison ivy sawfly, is a species of argid sawfly in the family Argidae.
Cimbex americana, the elm sawfly, is a species of sawfly in the family Cimbicidae. This is a very large species of Hymenoptera, with adults measuring 3 cm and larvae reaching 5 cm long. If captured, adults may buzz and use their powerful spiny legs defensively. However, like other sawflies, this species does not possess a sting.
Schizocerella pilicornis,, is a species of argid sawfly in the family Argidae.
Early larvae on an American Elm leaf
Larvae
Adult female
Adult male
