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Sawflies

Macrophya sp

Photo by misako
Published on Project Noah
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37.91, -121.95

Field Notes

Description:

Sawfly is the common name for insects belonging to suborder Symphyta of the order Hymenoptera. Sawflies are distinguishable from most other Hymenoptera by the broad connection between the abdomen and the thorax, and by their caterpillar-like larvae. 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. Large populations of certain sawfly species can cause substantial economic damage to forests and cultivated plants.
Wikipedia

Habitat:

On miner's lettuce blossoms along the Deer Flat hiking trail in Mount Diablo State Park, CA.

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (6)

Thank you Nopayahnah!
@Emma: I am not sure if it is a sawfly caterpillar.
http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/8434858 Misako,i am wondering whether this could be the caterpillar of Saw FLy?. We have a pine tree near by . Saw flies love pine trees. The wind blows the pine tree litter near our door steps. This is where i found this caterpillar.
Thanks Emma. This is the first time I have seen an adult sawfly and I have never seen the caterpillar. I will definitely keep my eyes out for them.
have you seen the caterpillar? nice spotting!

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