Sawflies (Hymenoptera, Symphyta)


Sawflies are wasp-like insects that are in 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 primary distinction between sawflies and the Apocrita (ants, bees, and wasps) is that the adults lack a "wasp waist", and instead have a broad connection between the abdomen and the thorax.

References


Sawflies (Hymenoptera, Symphyta)

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Discussion

Jimbobo wrote:
3 Jul 2025
Species level identification of Perginae larvae is not possible with our current understanding. There is no thorough guide that covers the early life stages of the nearly 60 species.

Perga sp. (genus)
Jimbobo wrote:
3 Jul 2025
While these are likely to be a *Perga* sp. my understanding is that the larvae of *Perga affinis* and *Perga dorsalis* cant be separated visually. Don regarding the images of sawfly larvae on your website; where these validated identifications. ie where the larvae reared through to adults to confirm their true identity?

Perginae sp. (subfamily)
KylieWaldon wrote:
1 Jul 2025
?sawfly looks a bit like this one: Pterygophorinae (subfamily) (Sawfly)

Symphyta (suborder)
Jimbobo wrote:
28 Jun 2025
Yes Philomastix. Refer- https://southernforestlife.net/notes/2024/10/18/other-pergidae-subfamilies

Philomastix xanthophylax
Jimbobo wrote:
28 Jun 2025
Narrow waist so not a Sawfly. Looks to be a wasp.

Unverified Sawfly (Hymenoptera, Symphyta)
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