Sawflies are plant-feeding insects classified under the order Hymenoptera, closely related to wasps and bees. They are unique due to their lack of a constricted waist and their caterpillar-like larvae, which cause significant damage to trees, crops, and ornamental plants.
Sawflies belong to the suborder Symphyta. Key classification details:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Suborder: Symphyta
Common Families:
Tenthredinidae (Common Sawflies)
Cimbicidae (Cimbicid Sawflies)
Diprionidae (Conifer Sawflies)
Argidae (Argid Sawflies)
Pergidae (Pergid Sawflies)
Some important genera of sawflies include:
Tenthredo
Diprion
Cimbex
Nematus
Sawflies are diverse, with some species being more notorious for plant damage:
Pine sawflies (Neodiprion spp.)
Rose sawflies (Arge ochropus)
Birch sawflies (Cimbex femoratus)
Elm sawflies (Cimbex americana)
Willow sawflies (Nematus ventralis)
Sawflies prefer forests, orchards, and gardens. Their larvae feed on leaves, often causing defoliation. They thrive in temperate and tropical regions, with peak activity during warm months.
Sawflies primarily consume:
Deciduous and coniferous leaves
Shrubs and ornamental plants
Agricultural crops
Two pairs of membranous wings
Large compound eyes
Well-developed antennae
A saw-like ovipositor in females for egg-laying
Sawflies undergo complete metamorphosis:
Egg Stage – Laid in plant tissue
Larval Stage – Resemble caterpillars and feed on foliage
Pupal Stage – Pupate in soil or plant debris
Adult Stage – Short-lived, dedicated to reproduction
Females: Possess an ovipositor for depositing eggs in leaves.
Males: Smaller and lack an ovipositor.
Some species reproduce without males (parthenogenesis).
Sawflies live from weeks to months, depending on species and climate.
Infestation leads to skeletonized leaves, reduced plant growth, and increased vulnerability to disease.
While sawflies do not directly spread diseases, weakened plants become susceptible to bacterial and fungal infections.
Encourage predators like parasitic wasps and birds.
Hand-picking larvae from plants.
Neem oil disrupts larval growth.
Pyrethroids target sawfly larvae.
Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is effective against larvae.
High-resolution images and diagrams illustrate their structure.
Microscope studies reveal intricate anatomical details.
Videos on Agrownet™'s YouTube channel showcase sawfly behavior and management techniques.
Sawflies are among the most primitive Hymenoptera.
Larvae mimic caterpillars but lack crochets on their prolegs.
Some sawflies feed collectively in groups.Understanding sawflies is crucial for effective pest control. With proper identification and management techniques, their impact on agriculture and forestry can be minimized. Agrownet™ offers valuable resources to help mitigate sawfly infestations efficiently.