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Figwort sawfly
ExploreInsects
Figwort sawfly
Tenthredo scrophulariae
The Figwort sawfly is a small, friendly insect that loves to munch on plants. It has a shiny body and can be found in gardens and fields, where it helps nature by being part of the food chain.
Habitat: Gardens and fields
Appearance
The Figwort sawfly is a medium-sized insect with a black and bright yellow striped body, visually mimicking a wasp. It has a robust, unconstricted 'waist' unlike true wasps, and clear wings with dark veins. Its antennae are slender and black.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHymenopteraFamilyTenthredinidaeGenusTenthredo
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Female sawflies have a special 'saw' on their tummy for laying eggs in plants!
Figwort sawfly larvae sometimes mimic bird droppings to hide from hungry birds!
Some sawfly larvae curl into an 'S' shape when disturbed, ready to defend themselves!
Their larvae have many extra tummy legs, making them look unique among insects!
Special abilities
Ability
Plant Power Shield
Figwort sawfly larvae can absorb chemicals from their host plants, making them distasteful to predators.
Ability
Living Drill Bit
Female sawflies have a saw-like tool called an ovipositor to precisely cut into plant stems for laying eggs.
Ability
Wasp Impersonator
Its bold yellow and black stripes mimic a wasp, tricking predators into thinking it can sting, even though it can't.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 20-30 mm
- Size
- 10-15 mm
- Lifespan
- 10-30 days
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Larvae munch on figwort leaves, while adults sip nectar from flowers.
Age differences: Larvae eat plant leaves, but adults drink nectar and pollen.
Primary Foods
- Scrophularia nodosa
- Scrophularia auriculata
- Nectar
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eats
Common figwort
Scrophularia nodosa
Larvae strip leaves from these plants.
pollinates
Brooklime
Veronica beccabunga
Adults visit flowers for nectar and pollen.
eaten by
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Great Tit
Parus major
Birds often prey on their larvae and adults.
eaten by
Cross Orbweaver
Araneus diadematus
Spiders can catch adults in their webs.
Traits
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Keystone Species
Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment.
Miniature
Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
These insects are harmless, but it's best to watch them from a distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Figwort sawfly's wingspan?
20-30 mm
How big is Figwort sawfly?
10-15 mm
How long does Figwort sawfly live?
10-30 days
What does Figwort sawfly eat?
Larvae munch on figwort leaves, while adults sip nectar from flowers.
Where is Figwort sawfly usually found?
Gardens and fields
How does Figwort sawfly hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Figwort sawfly have?
6
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