|
| |
April 2009 - Sawfly |
| |
|
| Dolerus nitens |
| Sawflies are not flies at all as they have four wings and flies have only two. They actually belong to the same order as wasps, bees and ants: Hymenoptera - a group noted for its transparent wings. |
| |
 |
Sawflies are so-named because of the saw-like form of the female's ovipositor - a structure used in egg-laying. The female is able to slit (or saw) leaves and stems creating a place in which she can lay her eggs.
There are numerous families and subfamilies of sawflies. Dolerus nitens is a member of the largest family: Tenthredinidae - Common Sawflies. These sawflies have antennae made up of 7-10 segments which you can see in these pictures. |
|
|
|
| |
| Have an idea for bug of the month? Let us know! |
| |
|
| |
|
| Dereila Nature Inn Home > Woodlands Pathway > The Bug World > Bug of the Month |
|
|
|
