Early Birch Leaf Edgeminer
Fenusella nana
This record describes Fenusella nana (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
- Heterarthrinae
- Tribe
- Fenusini
- Genus
- Fenusella
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
native to, and widespread across n. Eurasia, adventive in NA (ne. US) , introduced from Europe
Seasonal Activity
The adult lays eggs in the spring
Diet and Behavior
Diet: hosts: birches , esp. white birch
Life History
one generation per year; pupates in the soil and remains there until the next year
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Fenusella nana (Klug 1818)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Fenusella nana. 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 Early Birch Leaf Edgeminer (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Beatriz Moisset; Additional contributions by Chuck Entz , ceiseman , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Early Birch Leaf Edgeminer
How big is Early Birch Leaf Edgeminer?
avg. BL: ♀ 4.5 mm, ♂ (unknown in NA) 4-4.5 mm
Where is Early Birch Leaf Edgeminer found?
Range: native to, and widespread across n. Eurasia, adventive in NA (ne. US) , introduced from Europe
What does Early Birch Leaf Edgeminer eat?
The diet of the Early Birch Leaf Edgeminer includes hosts: birches , esp. white birch.
When is Early Birch Leaf Edgeminer active?
Early Birch Leaf Edgeminer: seasonal activity - The adult lays eggs in the spring.
What is the life cycle of a Early Birch Leaf Edgeminer?
one generation per year; pupates in the soil and remains there until the next year