Sawflies of Zihuatanejo

FAMILY AGRIDAE

-Ants, Bees, Wasps, and Sawflies (Order Hymenoptera)

-Sawflies, Horntails, and Wood Wasps (Suborder Symphyta)

-Typical Sawflies (Superfamily Tenthredinoidea)

-Genus Atomacera

Unlike other hymenopterans, sawflies have larvae that resemble the caterpillars of moths and butterflies, but the larvae typically have more than 5 pairs of prolegs. Sawflies are so named due to the saw like ovipositor that the females use to cut open plant tissue where she will lay her eggs. Sawflies are herbivorous and known for their caterpillar-like larvae that often feed on plants.

Description

• Atomacera is a genus of sawflies in the family Argidae. These insects belong to the order Hymenoptera and are related to bees, wasps, and ants, but they lack the narrow waist typical of many wasps. Adults are generally small, with compact bodies and membranous wings. Their larvae resemble caterpillars and have several pairs of abdominal prolegs.

Range

• Atomacera is present in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, Mexico. The genus occurs in the Americas, particularly in warm regions, although the distribution varies among species.

Habitat

• Members of Atomacera are associated with habitats containing suitable host plants, including tropical and subtropical vegetation, woodland edges, scrub, and gardens. Adults may be found resting on foliage or visiting flowers, while larvae develop on their food plants.

Diet

• The larvae of Atomacera are plant-feeders, consuming leaves of their host plants. Specific host associations vary by species and are not well documented for every member of the genus. Adults may feed on nectar, pollen, or other plant-derived liquids, although their feeding habits are not well established across the genus.