# North American Elm Sawfly (*Cimbex americanus*) The North American Elm Sawfly is a small insect that loves to munch on elm tree leaves. They have a unique look with bright colors and can be found in many gardens and parks. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Forests ![North American Elm Sawfly](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Adult_Elm_Sawfly_St_Louis_County_Mn.jpg&width=800) Photo: MamaTeeth, CC BY-SA 4.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Adult_Elm_Sawfly_St_Louis_County_Mn.jpg) ## Appearance The North American Elm Sawfly is a large, stout-bodied insect resembling a wasp, but without the narrow 'waist'. It has a black head and thorax, with a striking yellowish-white abdomen marked with black bands or spots. Its wings are typically smoky brown, which distinguishes it from many true wasps. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Hymenoptera - **Family:** Cimbicidae - **Genus:** Cimbex ## Interesting facts - Wow! Adults drink flower nectar, but the larvae are leaf-munching machines! - Wow! Their chunky larvae look like caterpillars but have extra belly legs! - Wow! This big 'wasp' won't sting you, it's actually a sawfly! - Wow! When threatened, the larvae can curl into a tight 'C' shape! ## Special abilities - **Leaf Saw:** North American Elm Sawfly females have a serrated ovipositor that helps them cut precise slits into elm leaves to lay eggs securely. - **Stinky Shield:** North American Elm Sawfly larvae can release a foul-smelling green liquid that helps them deter birds and other predators. - **Elm Leaf Gobbler:** North American Elm Sawfly larvae have powerful mouthparts that help them rapidly chew and consume large quantities of elm leaves. ## Measurements & details - **Wingspan:** 30-45 mm - **Size:** 18-25 mm - **Lifespan:** 200-365 days - **Leg Count:** 6 ## Diet & Feeding Adults sip nectar; larvae munch on elm leaves. - **Age differences:** Larvae exclusively feed on elm leaves, while adults consume nectar and pollen from various flowers. - **Primary Foods:** elm leaves, nectar, pollen - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Depends on:** [American Elm](https://www.snappit.app/explore/american-elm) (*Ulmus americana*) — Larvae feed exclusively on its leaves. - **Eaten by:** [Blue Jay](https://www.snappit.app/explore/blue-jay) (*Cyanocitta cristata*) — Adults and larvae can be prey for birds. - **Hunts:** [Bald-faced Hornet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/bald-faced-hornet) (*Dolichovespula maculata*) — Predatory wasps may hunt sawfly larvae. ## Traits - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [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. - [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [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 It's best to watch these insects from a distance and not touch them. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify North American Elm 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 North American Elm Sawfly's wingspan? 30-45 mm ### How big is North American Elm Sawfly? 18-25 mm ### How long does North American Elm Sawfly live? 200-365 days ### What does North American Elm Sawfly eat? Adults sip nectar; larvae munch on elm leaves. ### Where is North American Elm Sawfly usually found? Forests ### How does North American Elm Sawfly hunt? Foraging ### How many legs does North American Elm Sawfly have? 6 ## Where to spot - [Drewry Point Provincial Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/drewry-point-provincial-park) — British Columbia, CA · State Park ## 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: [North American Elm Sawfly: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/north-american-elm-sawfly)