Dusky Birch Sawfly
Nematus latitarsus
This record describes Nematus latitarsus (species). Recorded family: Tenthredinidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Larva is yellow-green with rows of black spots along the body; heads of mature larvae black (dull orange in Birch Sawfly, Arge pectoralis ) Key to Species (Larvae and Adults) common defoliator of birch
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.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
much of NA
Seasonal Activity
Adults appear during May and June - earlier in the deep south. ( 3 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: hosts: birch ( Betula ); prefers gray birch
Life History
Overwinter in the prepupal stage in a cocoon in the topsoil. ( 3 ) May be overlapping generations per year. ( 3 ) Larvae are gregarious and feed along the edges of leaves. ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Nematus latitarsis (Norton 1862)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Nematus latitarsus. 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 Dusky Birch Sawfly (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tony DiTerlizzi; Additional contributions by Hannah Nendick-Mason , ceiseman , v belov , Marci Hess , PaleoJon , insectamo
Frequently Asked Questions About Dusky Birch Sawfly
What is Dusky Birch Sawfly?
Dusky Birch Sawfly (Nematus latitarsus) is a species in the family Tenthredinidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Dusky Birch Sawfly?
Larva is yellow-green with rows of black spots along the body; heads of mature larvae black (dull orange in Birch Sawfly, Arge pectoralis ) Key to Species (Larvae and Adults)
Where is Dusky Birch Sawfly found?
Range: much of NA
What does Dusky Birch Sawfly eat?
The diet of the Dusky Birch Sawfly includes hosts: birch ( Betula ); prefers gray birch.
When is Dusky Birch Sawfly active?
Dusky Birch Sawfly: seasonal activity - Adults appear during May and June - earlier in the deep south. ( 3 ).
What is the life cycle of a Dusky Birch Sawfly?
Overwinter in the prepupal stage in a cocoon in the topsoil. ( 3 ) May be overlapping generations per year. ( 3 ) Larvae are gregarious and feed along the edges of leaves. ( 3 )