Neodiprion rugifrons
This record describes Neodiprion rugifrons (species). Recorded family: Diprionidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Full-grown larvae have orange-brown to bright orange heads with black eyespots. The prothorax is yellowish-green to light olive-green with dark markings. A dark lateral strip extends backward along each side from the prothorax to the 9th abdominal segment.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Family
- Diprionidae (Conifer Sawflies)
- Genus
- Neodiprion
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
southern Canada and the Lake States
Seasonal Activity
Adults - May and June
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Jack pine
Life History
Overwinters in cocoons in the soil. Eggs are laid in 1-year-old or older needles. The larvae of the first generation feed in colonies on previous year's needles. The 2nd generation feeds on all-ages of foliage. 1-2 generations per year.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Author: Middleton, 1933
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Neodiprion rugifrons. 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 Neodiprion rugifrons (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Charley Eiseman; Additional contributions by Marci Hess
Frequently Asked Questions About Neodiprion rugifrons
What is Neodiprion rugifrons?
Neodiprion rugifrons is a species in the family Diprionidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Neodiprion rugifrons?
Full-grown larvae have orange-brown to bright orange heads with black eyespots. The prothorax is yellowish-green to light olive-green with dark markings. A dark lateral strip extends backward along each side from the prothorax to the 9th abdominal segment.
Where is Neodiprion rugifrons found?
Range: southern Canada and the Lake States
What does Neodiprion rugifrons eat?
The diet of the Neodiprion rugifrons includes Jack pine.
When is Neodiprion rugifrons active?
Neodiprion rugifrons: seasonal activity - Adults - May and June.
What is the life cycle of a Neodiprion rugifrons?
Overwinters in cocoons in the soil. Eggs are laid in 1-year-old or older needles. The larvae of the first generation feed in colonies on previous year's needles. The 2nd generation feeds on all-ages of foliage. 1-2 generations per year.