Pine False Webworm
Acantholyda erythrocephala
This record describes Acantholyda erythrocephala (species). Recorded family: Pamphiliidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Since being introduced in 1925, it has become a pest
Wikipedia reference for Acantholyda erythrocephala: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acantholyda_erythrocephala.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Family
- Pamphiliidae (Webspinning and Leafrolling Sawflies)
- Subfamily
- Cephalciinae
- Genus
- Acantholyda
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
native to Europe, adventive in NA and now widespread in the north
Seasonal Activity
Pupation occurs in early spring, adults emerge in April and May
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Pines, including Pinus strobus, P. sylvestris, P. resinosa , etc.
Life History
Overwinter as larva Eggs are laid in short rows of 3-10 each on previous year's needles. The larvae spin loose webbing about themselves and feed gregariously on the old needles. Older larvae feed singly. Full-grown larvae drop to the ground and enter the soil for hiberation. One generation per year
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Acantholyda erythrocephala (Linnaeus 1758)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Acantholyda erythrocephala. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Hymenoptera includes over 150,000 described species of ants, bees, wasps, and sawflies. Earth harbors approximately 20 quadrillion (20×10^15) ants, with a combined biomass of ~12 megatons of dry carbon - exceeding the combined biomass of all wild birds and mammals (PNAS, 2022).
Ecological role of the group
About 35% of the world's food crops depend on animal pollinators. The chocolate industry, valued at over $100 billion, depends on pollinating flies and midges. Ants are the dominant soil engineers in most terrestrial ecosystems, turning more soil than earthworms in many habitats.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Pollinators contribute $235-577 billion worth of annual global food production (FAO). In the U.S., bee pollination alone benefits crops valued at $18 billion annually, and honey bees are responsible for $5.4 billion in agricultural productivity. Between April 2023-2024, 55.1% of managed honey bee colonies were lost. The U.S. bee population dropped from 5 million to 2.5 million.
Recorded sources for this group: FAO, USDA, EPA, PNAS (2022), US Fish & Wildlife Service. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Pine False Webworm (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Boris Büche; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Ron M. , v belov , Marci Hess , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Pine False Webworm
What is Pine False Webworm?
Pine False Webworm (Acantholyda erythrocephala) is a species in the family Pamphiliidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Pine False Webworm?
8-15 mm
Where is Pine False Webworm found?
Range: native to Europe, adventive in NA and now widespread in the north
What does Pine False Webworm eat?
The diet of the Pine False Webworm includes Pines, including Pinus strobus, P. sylvestris, P. resinosa , etc..
When is Pine False Webworm active?
Pine False Webworm: seasonal activity - Pupation occurs in early spring, adults emerge in April and May.
What is the life cycle of a Pine False Webworm?
Overwinter as larva Eggs are laid in short rows of 3-10 each on previous year's needles. The larvae spin loose webbing about themselves and feed gregariously on the old needles. Older larvae feed singly. Full-grown larvae drop to the ground and enter the soil for hiberation. One generation per year