Sawflies (Hymenoptera, Symphyta)

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Sawflies are wasp-like insects that are in the suborder Symphyta within the order Hymenoptera, alongside ants, bees, and wasps. The common name comes from the saw-like appearance of the ovipositor, which the females use to cut into the plants where they lay their eggs.

The primary distinction between sawflies and the Apocrita (ants, bees, and wasps) is that the adults lack a "wasp waist", and instead have a broad connection between the abdomen and the thorax.

References

Sawflies (Hymenoptera, Symphyta)

Featured sightings

Perga affinis (Large Green Sawfly) at Warrandyte, VIC - 28 Mar 2025 by Jimbobo

Perginae sp. (subfamily) (Unidentified pergine sawfly) at Smiggin Holes, NSW - 21 Jan 2025 by Harrisi

Lophyrotoma sp. (genus) (Sawfly) at Flynn, ACT - 19 Feb 2024 by Christine

Pterygophorus cinctus (Bottlebrush sawfly) at Macgregor, ACT - 29 Nov 2023 by Roger

Pterygophorus cinctus at Templestowe, VIC - 18 Jan 2022 by Tepidduck1

Pseudoperga belinda at Theodore, ACT - 4 Jan 2021 by owenh

Perga dorsalis (Steel-blue sawfly, spitfire) at Acton, ACT - 30 May 2019 by TimL

Pterygophorus cinctus (Bottlebrush sawfly) at Macquarie, ACT - 29 Dec 2016 by Heino1

Latest sightings

Symphyta (suborder) at Baranduda, VIC - 30 Jun 2025 by DeanoThommo

Perginae sp. (subfamily) (Unidentified pergine sawfly) at Isaacs, ACT - 22 Jun 2025 by Mike

Perginae sp. (subfamily) (Unidentified pergine sawfly) at Belconnen, ACT - 17 Jun 2025 by kasiaaus

Perginae sp. (subfamily) (Unidentified pergine sawfly) at Nicholls, ACT - 2 Jun 2025 by LeahColebrook

Perginae sp. (subfamily) (Unidentified pergine sawfly) at Bargo, NSW - 7 Jan 2023 by Snows

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Discussion

Jimbobo wrote:

Yesterday

I think this is a winged Bull Ant or similar. Not a Sawfly.

Pergidae sp. (family)

Jimbobo wrote:

Yesterday

In lieu of a comprehensive study or guide to the larvae of the nearly 60 species in subfamily Perginae; subfamily level identification is the only valid option.

Perginae sp. (subfamily)

Jimbobo wrote:

Yesterday

In lieu of a comprehensive study or guide to the larvae of the nearly 60 species in subfamily Perginae; subfamily level identification is the only valid option.

Perginae sp. (subfamily)

Jimbobo wrote:

Yesterday

I'm speculating these type of larvae are a Xyloperga species. In lieu of a comprehensive study or guide to the larvae of the nearly 60 species in subfamily Perginae; subfamily level identification is the only valid option.

Perginae sp. (subfamily)

Jimbobo wrote:

Yesterday

In lieu of a comprehensive study or guide to the larvae of the nearly 60 species in subfamily Perginae; subfamily level identification is the only valid option.

Perginae sp. (subfamily)