72-603: Gall wasps , also traditionally called gallflies , are hymenopterans of the family Cynipidae in the wasp superfamily Cynipoidea . Their common name comes from the galls they induce on plants for larval development. About 1,300 species of this generally very small creature ( 1–8 millimetres or 1 ⁄ 32 – 5 ⁄ 16 inch) are known worldwide, with about 360 species of 36 different genera in Europe and some 800 species in North America. Like all Apocrita , gall wasps have
144-441: A complete metamorphosis with four distinct life stages – egg, larva, pupa and adult. The female uses her ovipositor to drill into plant material (or, in the case of Orussoidea, other insects) and then lays eggs in groups called rafts or pods. After hatching, larvae feed on plants, often in groups. As they approach adulthood, the larvae seek a protected spot to pupate, typically in bark or the soil. Large populations of species such as
216-428: A dagger ( † ). Many species of sawfly have retained their ancestral attributes throughout time, specifically their plant-eating habits, wing veins and the unmodified abdomen, where the first two segments appear like the succeeding segments. The absence of the narrow wasp waist distinguishes sawflies from other members of hymenoptera, although some are Batesian mimics with coloration similar to wasps and bees, and
288-413: A distinctive body shape, the so-called wasp waist . The first abdominal tergum (the propodeum ) is conjoined with the thorax , while the second abdominal segment forms a sort of shaft, the petiole . The petiole connects with the gaster , which is the functional abdomen in apocritan wasps, starting with the third abdominal segment proper. Together, the petiole and the gaster form the metasoma , while
360-413: A distinctive body shape, the so-called wasp waist . The first abdominal tergum (the propodeum ) is conjoined with the thorax , while the second abdominal segment forms a sort of shaft, the petiole . The petiole connects with the gaster , which is the functional abdomen in apocritan wasps, starting with the third abdominal segment proper. Together, the petiole and the gaster form the metasoma , while
432-402: A family or genus of hosts. For example, Iris sawfly larvae, emerging in summer, can quickly defoliate species of Iris including the yellow flag and other freshwater species. Similarly the rose sawflies, Arge pagana and A. ochropus , defoliate rose bushes. The giant woodwasp or horntail, Urocerus gigas , has a long ovipositor, which with its black and yellow colouration make it
504-465: A good mimic of a hornet . Despite the alarming appearance, the insect cannot sting. The eggs are laid in the wood of conifers such as Douglas fir , pine, spruce , and larch . The larvae eat tunnels in the wood, causing economic damage. Alternative measures to control sawflies can be taken. Small-scale, mechanical methods include visually confirming larval presence on a plant and subsequently removing them, either by pruning damaged leaves or removing
576-835: A humid and warm climate. The cladogram is based on Schulmeister 2003. Xyeloidea ( Triassic –present) [REDACTED] Tenthredinoidea [REDACTED] Pamphilioidea [REDACTED] Cephoidea (stem sawflies) [REDACTED] Siricoidea (horntails or wood wasps) [REDACTED] Xiphydrioidea (wood wasps) [REDACTED] Orussoidea ( parasitic wood wasps) [REDACTED] Apocrita ( ants , bees , wasps ) [REDACTED] There are approximately 8,000 species of sawfly in more than 800 genera, although new species continue to be discovered. However, earlier studies indicated that 10,000 species grouped into about 1,000 genera were known. Early phylogenies such as that of Alexandr Rasnitsyn , based on morphology and behaviour, identified nine clades which did not reflect
648-416: A leaf. Larvae that feed on wood will pupate in the tunnels they have constructed. In one species, the jumping-disc sawfly ( Phyllotoma aceris ) forms a cocoon which can act like a parachute. The larvae live in sycamore trees and do not damage the upper or lower cuticles of leaves that they feed on. When fully developed, they cut small perforations in the upper cuticle to form a circle. After this, they weave
720-436: A male is completely unnecessary, and partly two-sex propagation. Most species have alternating generations , with one two-sex generation and one parthenogenic generation annually, whereas some species produce very few males and reproduce only by parthenogenesis, possibly because of infection of the females' gametes by endosymbiotic Wolbachia bacteria. The various generations differentiate both in their appearance and in
792-433: A male is completely unnecessary, and partly two-sex propagation. Most species have alternating generations , with one two-sex generation and one parthenogenic generation annually, whereas some species produce very few males and reproduce only by parthenogenesis, possibly because of infection of the females' gametes by endosymbiotic Wolbachia bacteria. The various generations differentiate both in their appearance and in
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#1733085210657864-569: A silk hammocks within the circle; this silk hammock never touches the lower cuticle. Once inside, the upper-cuticle's disc separates and descends towards the surface with the larvae attaching themselves to the hammock. Once they reach the round, the larvae work their way into a sheltered area by jerking their discs along. The majority of sawfly species produce a single generation per year, but others may only have one generation every two years. Most sawflies are also female, making males rare. Sawflies are major economic pests of forestry . Species in
936-436: A wingspan of 92 mm ( 3 + 1 ⁄ 2 in). The smaller species only reach lengths of 2.5 mm ( 3 ⁄ 32 in). Heads of sawflies vary in size, shape and sturdiness, as well as the positions of the eyes and antennae. They are characterised in four head types: open head, maxapontal head, closed head and genapontal head. The open head is simplistic, whereas all the other heads are derived. The head
1008-545: 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 primary distinction between sawflies and the Apocrita – the ants, bees, and wasps – is that the adults lack a "wasp waist", and instead have a broad connection between the abdomen and the thorax . Some sawflies are Batesian mimics of wasps and bees, and
1080-509: Is Hymenoptera, the Symphyta has long been seen to be paraphyletic. Cladistic methods and molecular phylogenetics are improving the understanding of relationships between the superfamilies, resulting in revisions at the level of superfamily and family. The Symphyta are the most primitive ( basal ) taxa within the Hymenoptera (some going back 250 million years), and one of the taxa within
1152-589: Is a warning colouration because some larvae can secrete irritating fluids from glands located on their undersides. Sawflies are widely distributed throughout the world. The largest family, the Tenthredinidae, with some 5,000 species, are found on all continents except Antarctica, though they are most abundant and diverse in the temperate regions of the northern hemisphere; they are absent from New Zealand and there are few of them in Australia. The next largest family,
1224-460: Is also hypognathous, meaning that the lower mouthparts are directed downwards. When in use, the mouthparts may be directed forwards, but this is only caused when the sawfly swings its entire head forward in a pendulum motion. Unlike most primitive insects, the sutures (rigid joints between two or more hard elements on an organism) and sclerites (hardened body parts) are obsolescent or absent. The clypeus (a sclerite that makes up an insects "face")
1296-588: Is between 205.6 and 221.5 million years of age, making it among the oldest of all sawfly fossils. More Xyelid fossils have been discovered from the Middle Jurassic and the Cretaceous , but the family was less diverse then than during the Mesozoic and Tertiary . The subfamily Xyelinae were plentiful during these time periods, in which Tertiary faunas were dominated by the tribe Xyelini; these are indicative of
1368-837: Is induced by this type of wasp not on the leaves, but on the roots of the oak. On the buds of young oak twigs, one can often find the hard-shelled galls of Andricus kollari and Andricus quercustozae. Galls do not cause significant harm to oak trees. The external phylogeny of the Cynipidae is based on Peters et al 2017. The Apocrita is within the "Sawflies" which are shown separately for simplicity here. Sawflies ( paraphyletic ) [REDACTED] Ceraphronoidea Ichneumonoidea [REDACTED] Cynipidae [REDACTED] other families Chalcidoidea and other groups [REDACTED] Evanioidea [REDACTED] Stephanoidea Trigonaloidea Aculeata (stinging wasps, bees, ants) [REDACTED] The internal phylogeny of gall wasps in
1440-783: Is induced by this type of wasp not on the leaves, but on the roots of the oak. On the buds of young oak twigs, one can often find the hard-shelled galls of Andricus kollari and Andricus quercustozae. Galls do not cause significant harm to oak trees. The external phylogeny of the Cynipidae is based on Peters et al 2017. The Apocrita is within the "Sawflies" which are shown separately for simplicity here. Sawflies ( paraphyletic ) [REDACTED] Ceraphronoidea Ichneumonoidea [REDACTED] Cynipidae [REDACTED] other families Chalcidoidea and other groups [REDACTED] Evanioidea [REDACTED] Stephanoidea Trigonaloidea Aculeata (stinging wasps, bees, ants) [REDACTED] The internal phylogeny of gall wasps in
1512-432: Is minimal, and fewer than 10 of these species actually cause a significant impact on sawfly populations. Many of these species attack their hosts in the grass or in other parasitoids. Well known and important parasitoids include Braconidae , Eulophidae and Ichneumonidae . Braconid wasps attack sawflies in many regions throughout the world, in which they are ectoparasitoids, meaning that the larvae live and feed outside of
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#17330852106571584-679: Is most frequent in the anal veins. In all sawflies, 2A and 3A tend to fuse with the first anal vein. This occurs in several families including Argidae, Diprionidae and Cimbicidae. The larvae of sawflies are easily mistaken for lepidopteran larvae (caterpillars). However, several morphological differences can distinguish the two: while both larvae share three pairs of thoracic legs and an apical pair of abdominal prolegs , lepidopteran caterpillars have four pairs of prolegs on abdominal segments 3–6 while sawfly larvae have five pairs of prolegs located on abdominal segments 2–6; crochets are present on lepidopteran larvae, whereas on sawfly larvae they are not;
1656-434: Is not always the case; Monterey pine sawfly ( Itycorsia ) larvae are solitary web-spinners that feed on Monterey pine trees inside a silken web. The adults feed on pollen and nectar. Sawflies are eaten by a wide variety of predators. While many birds find the larvae distasteful, some such as the currawong ( Strepera ) and stonechats ( Saxicola ) eat both adults and larvae. The larvae are an important food source for
1728-517: Is not divided into a pre- and postclypeus, but rather separated from the front. The antennal sclerites are fused with the surrounding head capsule, but these are sometimes separated by a suture. The number of segments in the antennae vary from six in the Accorduleceridae to 30 or more in the Pamphiliidae. The compound eyes are large with a number of facets, and there are three ocelli between
1800-404: Is two months to two years, though the adult life stage is often very short (approximately 7 – 9 days), only long enough for the females to lay their eggs. The female uses its ovipositor to drill into plant material to lay her eggs (though the family Orussoidea lay their eggs in other insects). Plant-eating sawflies most commonly are associated with leafy material but some specialize on wood, and
1872-418: Is usually much easier through observation of the galls produced rather than of the insect itself. A gall protects the developing gall wasp for the most vulnerable stage of its life cycle, but many other wasps have found a way to penetrate this defence and parasitise the gall and/or larva(e) within. Some of these inquilines and parasitoids use their long, hardened egg-laying tube ( ovipositor ) to bore into
1944-418: Is usually much easier through observation of the galls produced rather than of the insect itself. A gall protects the developing gall wasp for the most vulnerable stage of its life cycle, but many other wasps have found a way to penetrate this defence and parasitise the gall and/or larva(e) within. Some of these inquilines and parasitoids use their long, hardened egg-laying tube ( ovipositor ) to bore into
2016-830: The Argidae , with some 800 species, is also worldwide, but is most common in the tropics, especially in Africa, where they feed on woody and herbaceous angiosperms . Of the other families, the Blasticotomidae and Megalodontidae are Palearctic ; the Xyelidae, Pamphilidae , Diprionidae , Cimbicidae , and Cephidae are Holarctic , while the Siricidae are mainly Holarctic with some tropical species. The parasitic Orussidae are found worldwide, mostly in tropical and subtropical regions. The wood-boring Xiphydriidae are worldwide, but most species live in
2088-606: The Triassic . The oldest superfamily, the Xyeloidea , has existed into the presents. Over 200 million years ago, a lineage of sawflies evolved a parasitoid lifestyle, with carnivorous larvae that ate the eggs or larvae of other insects. Sawflies are distributed globally, though they are more diverse in the northernmost hemispheres. The suborder name "Symphyta" derives from the Greek word symphyton , meaning 'grown together', referring to
2160-458: The masked shrew ( Sorex cinereus ), the northern short-tailed shrew ( Blarina brevicauda ) and the deer mouse ( Peromyscus maniculatus ) predate heavily on sawfly cocoons. Insects such as ants and certain species of predatory wasps ( Vespula vulgaris ) eat adult sawflies and the larvae, as do lizards and frogs. Pardalotes , honeyeaters and fantails ( Rhipidura ) occasionally consume laid eggs, and several species of beetle larvae prey on
2232-407: The pine sawfly can cause substantial damage to economic forestry , while others such as the iris sawfly are major pests in horticulture . Outbreaks of sawfly larvae can defoliate trees and may cause dieback, stunting or death. Sawflies can be controlled through the use of insecticides, natural predators and parasitoids, or mechanical methods. Sawflies first appeared 250 million years ago in
Gall wasp - Misplaced Pages Continue
2304-527: 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
2376-449: The 1930s and 1950s and C. pygmaeus in the 1930s and 1940s. Like all other hymenopteran insects, sawflies go through a complete metamorphosis with four distinct life stages – egg, larva, pupa and adult. Many species are parthenogenetic , meaning that females do not need fertilization to create viable eggs. Unfertilized eggs develop as male, while fertilized eggs develop into females ( arrhenotoky ). The lifespan of an individual sawfly
2448-561: The Apocrita, to form one of two suborders of Hymenoptera. Symphyta are the more primitive group, with comparatively complete venation , larvae that are largely phytophagous , and without a "wasp-waist", a symplesiomorphic feature. Together, the Symphyta make up less than 10% of hymenopteran species. While the terms sawfly and Symphyta have been used synonymously, the Symphyta have also been divided into three groups, true sawflies (phyllophaga), woodwasps or xylophaga (Siricidae), and Orussidae . The three groupings have been distinguished by
2520-507: The Diprionidae, such as the pine sawflies, Diprion pini and Neodiprion sertifer , cause serious damage to pines in regions such as Scandinavia. D. pini larvae defoliated 500,000 hectares (1,200,000 acres) in the largest outbreak in Finland, between 1998 and 2001. Up to 75% of the trees may die after such outbreaks, as D. pini can remove all the leaves late in the growing season, leaving
2592-505: The Symphyta gave rise to the monophyletic suborder Apocrita ( wasps , bees , and ants ). In cladistic analyses the Orussoidea are consistently the sister group to the Apocrita. The oldest unambiguous sawfly fossils date back to the Middle or Late Triassic. These fossils, from the family Xyelidae , are the oldest of all Hymenoptera. One fossil, Archexyela ipswichensis from Queensland
2664-429: The chicks of several birds, including partridges . Sawfly and moth larvae form one third of the diet of nestling corn buntings ( Emberiza calandra ), with sawfly larvae being eaten more frequently on cool days. Black grouse ( Tetrao tetrix ) chicks show a strong preference for sawfly larvae. Sawfly larvae formed 43% of the diet of chestnut-backed chickadees ( Poecile rufescens ). Small carnivorous mammals such as
2736-488: The cladogram is based on the molecular phylogenetic analysis of Hearn et al. 2023. Eschatocerini Phanacidini Aulacideini Qwaqwaiini Synergini ( inquiline gall wasps) Diastrophini Ceroptresini ( inquiline oak gall wasps) Aylacini Cynipini (oak gall wasps) [REDACTED] The Cynipidae contains two subfamilies, one extinct and one extant: The Cynipinae consists of nine tribes: Sawfly Sawflies are wasp -like insects that are in
2808-531: The cladogram is based on the molecular phylogenetic analysis of Hearn et al. 2023. Eschatocerini Phanacidini Aulacideini Qwaqwaiini Synergini ( inquiline gall wasps) Diastrophini Ceroptresini ( inquiline oak gall wasps) Aylacini Cynipini (oak gall wasps) [REDACTED] The Cynipidae contains two subfamilies, one extinct and one extant: The Cynipinae consists of nine tribes: gallfly#Usage notes Gall wasps , also traditionally called gallflies , are hymenopterans of
2880-462: The dorsal portions of the compound eyes. The tentorium comprises the whole inner skeleton of the head. Three segments make up the thorax: the mesothorax , metathorax and prothorax , as well as the exoskeletal plates that connect with these segments. The legs have spurs on their fourth segments, the tibiae. Sawflies have two pairs of translucent wings. The fore and hind wings are locked together with hooks. Parallel development in sawfly wings
2952-418: The eggs have hatched, some species such as the small brown sawfly will remain with them and protects the eggs by buzzing loudly and beating her wings to deter predators. There are six larval stages that sawflies go through, lasting 2 – 4 months, but this also depends on the species. When fully grown, the larvae emerge from the trees en masse and burrow themselves into the soil to pupate. During their time outside,
Gall wasp - Misplaced Pages Continue
3024-422: The family Cynipidae in the wasp superfamily Cynipoidea . Their common name comes from the galls they induce on plants for larval development. About 1,300 species of this generally very small creature ( 1–8 millimetres or 1 ⁄ 32 – 5 ⁄ 16 inch) are known worldwide, with about 360 species of 36 different genera in Europe and some 800 species in North America. Like all Apocrita , gall wasps have
3096-899: The family Eulophidae attack sawflies, although their impact is low. Two species in the genus Pediobius have been studied; the two species are internal larval parasitoids and have only been found in the northern hemisphere. Parasitism of sawflies by eulophids in grass exceeds 50%, but only 5% in wheat. It is unknown as to why the attack rate in wheat is low. Furthermore, some fungal and bacterial diseases are known to infect eggs and pupa in warm wet weather. Outbreaks of certain sawfly species, such as Diprion polytomum , have led scientists to investigate and possibly collect their natural enemies to control them. Parasites of D. polytomum have been extensively investigated, showing that 31 species of hymenopterous and dipterous parasites attack it. These parasites have been used in successful biological control against pest sawflies, including Cephus cinctus throughout
3168-495: The form of the plant galls they induce. The larvae of most gall wasps develop in characteristic plant galls they induce themselves, but many species are instead inquilines of other gall wasps, such as those of the genus Synergus . The plant galls mostly develop directly after the female insect lays the eggs. The inducement for the gall formation is largely unknown; discussion speculates as to chemical, mechanical, and viral triggers. The hatching larvae nourish themselves with
3240-495: The form of the plant galls they induce. The larvae of most gall wasps develop in characteristic plant galls they induce themselves, but many species are instead inquilines of other gall wasps, such as those of the genus Synergus . The plant galls mostly develop directly after the female insect lays the eggs. The inducement for the gall formation is largely unknown; discussion speculates as to chemical, mechanical, and viral triggers. The hatching larvae nourish themselves with
3312-424: The gall. These parasitoids may, in turn, be preyed upon by other wasps, hyperparasitoids . Most species of gall wasps live as gall-formers on oaks. One of the best-known is the common oak gall wasp ( Cynips quercusfolii ), which induces characteristic, 2-cm in diameter, spherical galls on the undersides of oak leaves. These turn reddish in the fall and are commonly known as oak apples . Light lentiform galls on
3384-423: The gall. These parasitoids may, in turn, be preyed upon by other wasps, hyperparasitoids . Most species of gall wasps live as gall-formers on oaks. One of the best-known is the common oak gall wasp ( Cynips quercusfolii ), which induces characteristic, 2-cm in diameter, spherical galls on the undersides of oak leaves. These turn reddish in the fall and are commonly known as oak apples . Light lentiform galls on
3456-518: The genus Collyria . Unlike braconids, the larvae are endoparasitoids, meaning that the larvae live and feed inside the hosts body. One well known ichneumonid is Collyria coxator , which is a dominant parasitoid of C. pygmaeus . Recorded parasitism rates in Europe are between 20–76%, and as many as eight eggs can be found in a single larva, but only one Collyria individual will emerge from its host. The larva may remain inside of their host until spring, where it emerges and pupates. Several species in
3528-699: The group's distinctive lack of a wasp waist between prostomium and peristomium. Its common name, "sawfly", derives from the saw -like ovipositor that is used for egg-laying, in which a female makes a slit in either a stem or plant leaf to deposit the eggs. The first known use of this name was in 1773. Sawflies are also known as "wood-wasps". In his original description of Hymenoptera in 1863, German zoologist Carl Gerstaecker divided them into three groups, Hymenoptera aculeata , Hymenoptera apocrita and Hymenoptera phytophaga . However, four years later in 1867, he described just two groups, H. apocrita syn. genuina and H. symphyta syn. phytophaga . Consequently,
3600-524: The historical superfamilies. Such classifications were replaced by those using molecular methods, starting with Dowton and Austin (1994). As of 2013, the Symphyta are treated as nine superfamilies (one extinct) and 25 families. Most sawflies belong to the Tenthredinoidea superfamily, with about 7,000 species worldwide. Tenthredinoidea has six families, of which Tenthredinidae is by far the largest with some 5,500 species. Extinct taxa are indicated by
3672-537: The hosts body; braconids have more of an impact on sawfly populations in the New World than they do in the Old World, possibly because there are no ichneumonid parasitoids in North America. Some braconid wasps that attack sawflies include Bracon cephi , B. lisogaster , B. terabeila and Heteropilus cephi . Female braconids locate sawfly larvae through the vibrations they produce when feeding, followed by inserting
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#17330852106573744-416: The larvae can be quickly dispatched by simply dropping foliage into a vessel of plain or saltwater, diluted hydrogen peroxide or isopropyl alcohol, insecticidal soap, or other garden chemical. In large-scale, industrial settings, where beneficial insect predators can also be used to eliminate larvae, as well as parasites, which have both been previously used in control programs. Small trees can be sprayed with
3816-403: The larvae from the leaves they are on. Larvae typically try to remain hidden on the underside of foliage. Upon removing larvae and/or the affected leaves from plants, they may be dispatched by squishing, or, alternatively, the cut leaves with larvae still attached may be fed to birds; if larger animals do not prey upon them, other insects will. However, this is not practical or useful for some, thus
3888-417: The larvae may link up to form a large colony if many other individuals are present. They gather in large groups during the day which gives them protection from potential enemies, and during the night they disperse to feed. The emergence of adults takes awhile, with some emerging anywhere between a couple months to 2 years. Some will reach the ground to form pupal chambers, but others may spin a cocoon attached to
3960-401: The larval stage can last from months to years, depending on the species. Parthenogenetic females, which do not need to mate to produce fertilised eggs, are common in the suborder, though many species have males. The adults feed on pollen, nectar, honeydew, sap, other insects, including hemolymph of the larvae hosts; they have mouth pieces adapted to these types of feeding. Sawflies go through
4032-435: The members of the superfamily Orussoidea are parasitic . Predators include birds, insects and small animals. The larvae of some species have anti-predator adaptations such as regurgitating irritating liquid and clustering together for safety in numbers. Sawflies are hosts to many parasitoids, most of which are Hymenoptera, the rest being Diptera . Adult sawflies are short-lived, with a life expectancy of 7–9 days, though
4104-461: The name Symphyta is given to Gerstaecker as the zoological authority . In his description, Gerstaecker distinguished the two groups by the transfer of the first abdominal segment to the thorax in the Apocrita , compared to the Symphyta. Consequently, there are only eight dorsal half segments in the Apocrita, against nine in the Symphyta. The larvae are distinguished in a similar way. The Symphyta have therefore traditionally been considered, alongside
4176-506: The nutritive tissue of the galls, in which they are otherwise well-protected from external environmental effects. The host plants, and the size and shape of the galls are specific to the majority of gall wasps, with about 70% of the known species parasitizing various types of oak , inducing oak galls . Galls can be found on nearly all parts of such trees, including the leaves, buds, branches, and roots. Other species of gall wasps live in eucalyptus , maple , and many herbs. Species determination
4248-506: The nutritive tissue of the galls, in which they are otherwise well-protected from external environmental effects. The host plants, and the size and shape of the galls are specific to the majority of gall wasps, with about 70% of the known species parasitizing various types of oak , inducing oak galls . Galls can be found on nearly all parts of such trees, including the leaves, buds, branches, and roots. Other species of gall wasps live in eucalyptus , maple , and many herbs. Species determination
4320-427: The ovipositor can be mistaken for a stinger . Sawflies vary in length, most measuring 2.5 to 20 millimetres ( 3 ⁄ 32 to 25 ⁄ 32 in); the largest known sawfly measured 55 mm ( 2 + 1 ⁄ 4 in). The larvae are caterpillar-like, but can be distinguished by the number of prolegs and the absence of crochets in sawfly larvae. The great majority of sawflies are plant-eating , though
4392-504: The ovipositor can be mistaken for a stinger. Most sawflies are stubby and soft-bodied, and fly weakly. Sawflies vary in length: Urocerus gigas , which can be mistaken as a wasp due to its black-and-yellow striped body, can grow up to 20 mm ( 3 ⁄ 4 in) in length, but among the largest sawflies ever discovered was Hoplitolyda duolunica from the Mesozoic, with a body length of 55 mm ( 2 + 1 ⁄ 4 in) and
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#17330852106574464-583: The ovipositors of these species (such as the family Siricidae ) are specially adapted for the task of drilling through bark. Once the incision has been made, the female will lay as many as 30 to 90 eggs. Females avoid the shade when laying their eggs because the larvae develop much slower and may not even survive, and they may not also survive if they are laid on immature and glaucous leaves. Hence, female sawflies search for young adult leaves to lay their eggs on. These eggs hatch in two to eight weeks, but such duration varies by species and also by temperature. Until
4536-511: The ovipostior and paralysing the larva before laying eggs inside the host. These eggs hatch inside the larva within a few days, where they feed on the host. The entire host's body may be consumed by the braconid larvae, except for the head capsule and epidermis . The larvae complete their development within two or three weeks. Ten species of wasps in the family Ichneumonidae attack sawfly populations, although these species are usually rare. The most important parasitoids in this family are species in
4608-629: The prolegs of both larvae gradually disappear by the time they burrow into the ground, therefore making it difficult to distinguish the two; and sawfly larvae only have a single pair of minute eyes, whereas lepidopteran larvae have four to six eyes on each side of the head. Sawfly larvae behave like lepidopteran larvae, walking about and eating foliage. Some groups have larvae that are eyeless and almost legless; these larvae make tunnels in plant tissues including wood. Many species of sawfly larvae are strikingly coloured, exhibiting colour combinations such as black and white while others are black and yellow. This
4680-679: The pupae. The larvae have several anti-predator adaptations . While adults are unable to sting, the larvae of species such as the spitfire sawfly regurgitate a distasteful irritating liquid, which makes predators such as ants avoid the larvae. In some species, the larvae cluster together, reducing their chances of being killed, and in some cases form together with their heads pointing outwards or tap their abdomens up and down. Some adults bear black and yellow markings that mimic wasps. Sawflies are hosts to many parasitoids, most of which are parasitic Hymenoptera; more than 40 species are known to attack them. However, information regarding these species
4752-435: The subtropical parts of Asia. Sawflies are mostly herbivores , feeding on plants that have a high concentration of chemical defences. These insects are either resistant to the chemical substances, or they avoid areas of the plant that have high concentrations of chemicals. The larvae primarily feed in groups; they are folivores , eating plants and fruits on native trees and shrubs, though some are parasitic. However, this
4824-417: The thorax and the propodeum make up the mesosoma . The antennae are straight and consist of two or three segments. In many varieties, the backside of the mesosoma appears longitudinally banded. The wings are typically simply structured. The female's egg-depositing ovipositor is often seen protruding from the tip of the metasoma. The reproduction of gall wasps is usually partly parthenogenesis , in which
4896-417: The thorax and the propodeum make up the mesosoma . The antennae are straight and consist of two or three segments. In many varieties, the backside of the mesosoma appears longitudinally banded. The wings are typically simply structured. The female's egg-depositing ovipositor is often seen protruding from the tip of the metasoma. The reproduction of gall wasps is usually partly parthenogenesis , in which
4968-522: The trees too weak to survive the winter. Little damage to trees only occurs when the tree is large or when there is minimal presence of larvae. Eucalyptus trees can regenerate quickly from damage inflicted by the larvae; however, they can be substantially damaged from outbreaks, especially if they are young. The trees can be defoliated completely and may cause "dieback", stunting or even death. Sawflies are serious pests in horticulture . Different species prefer different host plants, often being specific to
5040-496: The true sawflies' ventral serrated or saw-like ovipositor for sawing holes in vegetation to deposit eggs, while the woodwasp ovipositor penetrates wood and the Orussidae behave as external parasitoids of wood-boring beetles . The woodwasps themselves are a paraphyletic ancestral grade . Despite these limitations, the terms have utility and are common in the literature. While most hymenopteran superfamilies are monophyletic , as
5112-499: The undersides of the same leaves are induced by Neuroterus quercusbaccarum ; darker ones with bulging edges are formed by Neuroterus numismalis. Also striking are the galls of Cynips longiventris, which likewise can be found on the undersides of leaves, and are recognizable for their spheroidal shape and irregular red streaks. The oak potato gall wasp ( Biorrhiza pallida ) has round galls that grow to about 4 cm. These are known colloquially as oak potatoes . The latter type of gall
5184-499: The undersides of the same leaves are induced by Neuroterus quercusbaccarum ; darker ones with bulging edges are formed by Neuroterus numismalis. Also striking are the galls of Cynips longiventris, which likewise can be found on the undersides of leaves, and are recognizable for their spheroidal shape and irregular red streaks. The oak potato gall wasp ( Biorrhiza pallida ) has round galls that grow to about 4 cm. These are known colloquially as oak potatoes . The latter type of gall
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