Caulocampus acericaulis
This record describes Caulocampus acericaulis (species). Recorded family: Tenthredinidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Family
- Tenthredinidae (Common Sawflies)
- Subfamily
- Nematinae
- Tribe
- Nematini
- Genus
- Caulocampus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
northeastern USA
Seasonal Activity
Adults - early May
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Maple - mine the petiole
Life History
Overwinter as larvae in a cell 2-3" below the soil surface. Eggs are laid near the bases of maple leaf petioles. The larvae tunnel into the petioles until the break and the leaves fall. The larvae continue to feed for 7-10 days in the petioles remaining on the tree. When these break anf fall, they larvae vacate them and enter the soil to pupate. One generation per year.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Caulocampus acericaulis. 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 Caulocampus acericaulis (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jonathan Hoskins; Additional contributions by Marci Hess
Frequently Asked Questions About Caulocampus acericaulis
Where is Caulocampus acericaulis found?
Range: northeastern USA
What does Caulocampus acericaulis eat?
The diet of the Caulocampus acericaulis includes Maple - mine the petiole.
When is Caulocampus acericaulis active?
Caulocampus acericaulis: seasonal activity - Adults - early May.
What is the life cycle of a Caulocampus acericaulis?
Overwinter as larvae in a cell 2-3" below the soil surface. Eggs are laid near the bases of maple leaf petioles. The larvae tunnel into the petioles until the break and the leaves fall. The larvae continue to feed for 7-10 days in the petioles remaining on the tree. When these break anf fall, they larvae vacate them and enter the soil to pupate. One generation per year.