Although only one of several sawfly families, the Tenthredinidae comprise by far the largest one. Although we seldom notice these wasp-like insects flying around, we do notice the effects of some of the larvae, such as those of birch leafminers, spruce sawflies, imported currantworm, the so-called rose and pear ‘slugs’and some of the gall-making sawflies.
Sawflies in this family tend to be small to medium-sized and look like thick-waisted wasps. They are often brightly coloured and the sexes may look different. They are named for the saw-like ovipositor that the female uses to insert her eggs into suitable host plants. Most are under 15 mm (? in.). Adults are often found at flowers.
The larvae of many are unloved by gardeners since they all feast on plant tissue in some way. The larvae look like caterpillars but unlike caterpillars, sawfly larvae have at least five pairs of prolegs in addition to the six proper ones (the ones that will turn into the adult legs).
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BRENT JOHNER
for serving as the society's PAST PRESIDENT this year