Hibiscus Sawfly
Atomacera decepta
This record describes Atomacera decepta (species). Recorded family: Argidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
can damage hibiscus, marshmallow, buttonbush & some other perennials
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Family
- Argidae (Argid Sawflies)
- Genus
- Atomacera
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e. US ( map )
Seasonal Activity
larvae May-Oct in NC ( Baker & Bambara 2000 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: hosts: various Malvaceae
Life History
Click on a thumbnail females lay eggs in the upper surfaces of leaves, near the leaf margin. Early instars feed only on the undersides of leaves. Later instars feed on both lower and upper surfaces of the leaves, avoiding large veins. Up to six generations per year
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Atomacera decepta Rohwer 1911
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Atomacera decepta. 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 Hibiscus Sawfly (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Troy Bartlett; Additional contributions by Tony DiTerlizzi , Beatriz Moisset , Chuck Entz , Wisconsin Oecanthinancy , v belov , KenW
Frequently Asked Questions About Hibiscus Sawfly
What is Hibiscus Sawfly?
Hibiscus Sawfly (Atomacera decepta) is a species in the family Argidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Hibiscus Sawfly?
Adults 4-8 mm, larvae to 13 mm
Where is Hibiscus Sawfly found?
Range: e. US ( map )
What does Hibiscus Sawfly eat?
The diet of the Hibiscus Sawfly includes hosts: various Malvaceae.
When is Hibiscus Sawfly active?
Hibiscus Sawfly: seasonal activity - larvae May-Oct in NC ( Baker & Bambara 2000 ).
What is the life cycle of a Hibiscus Sawfly?
Click on a thumbnail females lay eggs in the upper surfaces of leaves, near the leaf margin. Early instars feed only on the undersides of leaves. Later instars feed on both lower and upper surfaces of the leaves, avoiding large veins. Up to six generations per year