# 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. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Gardens and fields ![Figwort sawfly](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Figwort_Sawfly_%28tenthredo_scrophulariae%29.JPG&width=800) Photo: Richard Avery, CC BY-SA 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Figwort_Sawfly_%28tenthredo_scrophulariae%29.JPG) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Hymenoptera - **Family:** Tenthredinidae - **Genus:** Tenthredo ## 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 - **Plant Power Shield:** Figwort sawfly larvae can absorb chemicals from their host plants, making them distasteful to predators. - **Living Drill Bit:** Female sawflies have a saw-like tool called an ovipositor to precisely cut into plant stems for laying eggs. - **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brooklime) (*Veronica beccabunga*) — Adults visit flowers for nectar and pollen. - **Eaten by:** [Great Tit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/great-tit) (*Parus major*) — Birds often prey on their larvae and adults. - **Eaten by:** [Cross Orbweaver](https://www.snappit.app/explore/cross-orbweaver) (*Araneus diadematus*) — Spiders can catch adults in their webs. ## Traits - [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Pollinator Magnet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator-magnet): Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Keystone Species](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/keystone-species): Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment. - [Miniature](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/miniature): Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low These insects are harmless, but it's best to watch them from a distance. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Figwort sawfly? Look for six legs, antennae, three body sections and the shape of the wings. Beetles have hardened front wings; flies have just one working pair. Tiny insects may need a close view before their group is clear. Insect Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### 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 ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Figwort sawfly: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/figwort-sawfly)