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

KMcCue wrote:
7 Jul 2025
Appreciate that, thanks

Perginae sp. (subfamily)
DerekC wrote:
7 Jul 2025
Thank you Jimbolo,
I find it interesting, from your suggested reference, that the only examples recorded where the abdomen colour is recorded as different to type by being all orange are 3 records 2 from Canberra and 1 from the West of Yass.
Derek.

Pergagrapta gravenhorstii
HelenCross wrote:
7 Jul 2025
Turns Jimbobo

Pergagrapta spinolae
Jimbobo wrote:
6 Jul 2025
I think this is a winged Bull Ant or similar. Not a Sawfly.

Unverified Sawfly (Hymenoptera, Symphyta)
Jimbobo wrote:
6 Jul 2025
In lieu of a comprehensive study or guide to the larvae of the nearly 60 species in subfamily Perginae; subfamily level identification is the only valid option.

Perginae sp. (subfamily)
829,467 sightings of 22,836 species from 14,345 members
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