Nematus castaneae
This record describes Nematus castaneae (species). Recorded family: Tenthredinidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Key to Species (Larvae and Adults) Apparently rarely seen because various fungal diseases including chestnut blight has significantly reduced the populations of their host, American Chestnut.
Identification notes
Key to Species (Larvae and Adults)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Family
- Tenthredinidae (Common Sawflies)
- Subfamily
- Nematinae
- Tribe
- Nematini
- Genus
- Nematus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Chestnut; apparently the only sawfly species to do so.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Nematus castaneae. 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 Nematus castaneae (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by metrioptera , PaleoJon , insectamo
Frequently Asked Questions About Nematus castaneae
What is Nematus castaneae?
Nematus castaneae is a species in the family Tenthredinidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Nematus castaneae?
Key to Species (Larvae and Adults)
What does Nematus castaneae eat?
The diet of the Nematus castaneae includes Chestnut; apparently the only sawfly species to do so..