Symphyta

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all pictures © robin williams

revised 13-6-2021

Symphyta

'sawflies & wood wasps'

SYMPHYTA, generally referred to as ‘Sawflies’, although the group also contains the rather different Wood-wasps. Sawflies vary considerably in size, colour and habits, but are united in one aspect, the thorax joins the abdomen without any obvious constriction. In other words they are not wasp-waisted. In some species this may be the only obvious visual difference from some solitary wasps. Varieties of Tenthredo may readily be confused with similarly banded wasps. The great majority of sawflies are plant feeders. A major problem with these insects has been the lack of available keys, which may well account for the lack of my pictures in many families. Eventually, someone will come up with a moderen study, with pictures. Until then, we must leave to those in museums,

Female sawflies have an intricately-shaped saw which can be extended down from the abdomen to slit stems or leaves of plants so that eggs may be laid in the wound. This is the reason that many are responsible for plant diseases in crops such as soft fruit or flowers. In laying their eggs, they transmit viruses to the host plant. Sawfly larvae may be differentiated from butterfly and moth caterpillars by the presence of five or more pro-legs on the hind part of the body. Most sawflies have little or no visible ovipositor. Wood-wasps have the ovipositor sheath permanently jutting out and can look quite menacing, though they are perfectly innocent.

SUB-ORDER SYMPHYTA – Sawflies & Woodwasps

SUPER-FAMILY / Family

XYELOIDEA

Xyelidae – oviposit in pine cones

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MEGALODONTOIDEA

Pamphilidae – on trees

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Megalodontidae -

TENTHREDINOIDEA

Argidae – feed on umbels, oviposit in woody plants

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