Locust Sawfly
Euura tibialis
This record describes Euura tibialis (species). Recorded family: Tenthredinidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
According to Dave Smith, of the Nematus larvae feeding on black locust, N. tibialis is the green one (may have some small black dots); N. abottii is almost all black. Shares the coloration of Lopidea but do not share the ill smelling odor. Both share the habitat of a locust tree.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Family
- Tenthredinidae (Common Sawflies)
- Subfamily
- Nematinae
- Tribe
- Nematini
- Genus
- Euura
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
much of NA; long established across Europe ( map )
Seasonal Activity
Larvae can be found throughout the year.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: hosts: black locust ( Robinia pseudoacacia ), bristly locust ( R. hispida )
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Euura tibialis. 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 Locust Sawfly (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tim Loh; Additional contributions by cotinis , Beatriz Moisset , ceiseman , v belov , Harsi S. Parker , Marci Hess
Frequently Asked Questions About Locust Sawfly
What is Locust Sawfly?
Locust Sawfly (Euura tibialis) is a species in the family Tenthredinidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Locust Sawfly?
6–7 mm
How do you identify Locust Sawfly?
According to Dave Smith, of the Nematus larvae feeding on black locust, N. tibialis is the green one (may have some small black dots); N. abottii is almost all black.
Where is Locust Sawfly found?
Range: much of NA; long established across Europe ( map )
What does Locust Sawfly eat?
The diet of the Locust Sawfly includes hosts: black locust ( Robinia pseudoacacia ), bristly locust ( R. hispida ).
When is Locust Sawfly active?
Locust Sawfly: seasonal activity - Larvae can be found throughout the year..