Neodiprion taedae
This record describes Neodiprion taedae (species). Recorded family: Diprionidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
There are 2 larval parasites: a fly Hemipenthes sinuosa and a wasp Exenterus canadensis Hemipenthes sinuosa Exenterus canadensis
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
Eastern USA, subspecies taedae restricted to the Mid-Atlantic region.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Recorded from Pinus taeda , P. echinata , and P. virginiana .
Life History
Overwinters as an egg
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Named for one of the host species, Pinus taeda .
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Neodiprion taedae. 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 taedae (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr; Additional contributions by Marci Hess
Frequently Asked Questions About Neodiprion taedae
What is Neodiprion taedae?
Neodiprion taedae is a species in the family Diprionidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
Where is Neodiprion taedae found?
Range: Eastern USA, subspecies taedae restricted to the Mid-Atlantic region.
What does Neodiprion taedae eat?
The diet of the Neodiprion taedae includes Recorded from Pinus taeda , P. echinata , and P. virginiana ..
What is the life cycle of a Neodiprion taedae?
Overwinters as an egg