Scarlet Oak Sawfly
Caliroa quercuscoccinae
This record describes Caliroa quercuscoccinae (species). Recorded family: Tenthredinidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Larvae are slug like. Adults black with yellowish legs.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Family
- Tenthredinidae (Common Sawflies)
- Subfamily
- Heterarthrinae
- Tribe
- Caliroini
- Genus
- Caliroa
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae feed on the underside of scarlet, black, pin, and white oak leaves eventually skeletonizing the leaves.
Life History
Larvae overwinter in cocoons in the litter layer. Adults emerge in the spring. There may be 2 to 3 generation per year.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Author: Dyar
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Caliroa quercuscoccinae. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Scarlet Oak Sawfly
What is Scarlet Oak Sawfly?
Scarlet Oak Sawfly (Caliroa quercuscoccinae) is a species in the family Tenthredinidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Scarlet Oak Sawfly?
Adult: 6-8 mm. L=Full grown larva: 12 mm.
How do you identify Scarlet Oak Sawfly?
Larvae are slug like. Adults black with yellowish legs.
What does Scarlet Oak Sawfly eat?
The diet of the Scarlet Oak Sawfly includes Larvae feed on the underside of scarlet, black, pin, and white oak leaves eventually skeletonizing the leaves..
What is the life cycle of a Scarlet Oak Sawfly?
Larvae overwinter in cocoons in the litter layer. Adults emerge in the spring. There may be 2 to 3 generation per year.