Metallus lanceolatus
This record describes Metallus lanceolatus (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
- Metallus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
native to Europe , adventive in our area and now found across n. NA (BC‒NS to OR‒IA‒MD)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae mine in leaves of avens ( Geum , Rosaceae) ( 4 )
Life History
Leaf mine in Avens larva adult
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Metallus lanceolatus (Thomson 1870)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Metallus lanceolatus. 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 Metallus lanceolatus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Charley Eiseman; Additional contributions by v belov , marcie oconnor , behmrachel
Frequently Asked Questions About Metallus lanceolatus
How big is Metallus lanceolatus?
♀ 3.5‒4.5 mm
Where is Metallus lanceolatus found?
Range: native to Europe , adventive in our area and now found across n. NA (BC‒NS to OR‒IA‒MD)
What does Metallus lanceolatus eat?
The diet of the Metallus lanceolatus includes Larvae mine in leaves of avens ( Geum , Rosaceae) ( 4 ).
What is the life cycle of a Metallus lanceolatus?
Leaf mine in Avens larva adult