Pristiphora appendiculata
This record describes Pristiphora appendiculata (species). Recorded family: Tenthredinidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
A rather common sawfly on currant and distinguished from the other currant-feeding species, Nematus ribesii , by lacking black spots on the body. Widespread in North America, and probably an introduction from Europe long ago. [comment by Dave Smith]
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Family
- Tenthredinidae (Common Sawflies)
- Subfamily
- Nematinae
- Tribe
- Nematini
- Genus
- Pristiphora
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
BC to NL, south to CA, UT, CO, MT, TN, NC; Europe; Siberia
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae feed on foliage of Ribes (currant)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Pristiphora appendiculata. 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 Pristiphora appendiculata (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by ceiseman
Frequently Asked Questions About Pristiphora appendiculata
What is Pristiphora appendiculata?
Pristiphora appendiculata is a species in the family Tenthredinidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
Where is Pristiphora appendiculata found?
Range: BC to NL, south to CA, UT, CO, MT, TN, NC; Europe; Siberia
What does Pristiphora appendiculata eat?
The diet of the Pristiphora appendiculata includes Larvae feed on foliage of Ribes (currant).