Sawfly (Hymenoptera, Symphyta) field guide

How to report sawfly (hymenoptera, symphyta) sightings

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

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sawfly
• Identification tools for Australian sawflies - Life in a Southern Forest
• Schmidt, S. & Smith, D.R. 2021. Pergidae of the World – an online catalogue of the sawfly family Pergidae (Insecta, Hymenoptera, Symphyta). Electronic publication

5 species

Lophyrotoma analis (Sawfly, Ironbark Sawfly)

Lophyrotoma interrupta (Cattle Poisoning Sawfly)

Perga affinis (Large Green Sawfly)

Larvae

Perga sp. (genus) (Sawfly or Spitfire)

Adult

Larvae

Perginae sp. (subfamily) (Unidentified pergine sawfly)