Sawflies (PERGIDAE)

Lophyrotoma zonalis, Paperbark Saw Fly, male from side
Lophyrotoma zonalis, Paperbark Saw Fly, male from above
Lophyrotoma zonalis, Paperbark Saw Fly, male from side
Lophyrotoma zonalis, Paperbark Saw Fly, male from side
Lophyrotoma zonalis, Paperbark Saw Fly, male from above, oblique view
Lophyrotoma zonalis, Paperbark Saw Fly, male from side
Lophyrotoma zonalis, Paperbark Saw Fly, larva side on
Lophyrotoma zonalis, Paperbark Saw Fly, larva face on
Lophyrotoma zonalis, Paperbark Saw Fly, larva face on closer
Lophyrotoma zonalis, Paperbark Saw Fly, larva face on, very close
Perga sp? larvae
References

Sawflies are in the same order of insects as ants, bees and wasps (HYMENOPTERA) in a separate suborder, SYMPHYTA. Ants, bees and wasps belong to APOCRITA. Sawflies do not have the distinctive thin waist of the other hymenopterans, nor can they sting. Most Pergidae genera are typical herbivores when larvae, which are more commonly seen than adults. Larvae rear up and sometimes exude an unpleasant smelling liquid when disturbed. They are often seen during the day in large, closely-packed groups on branches or on the ground.

Lophyrotoma zonalis, Paperbark Saw Fly, male from side

Paperbark Saw Fly (Lophyrotoma zonalis Rohwer) is a wasp relative in the Hymenoptera. This species feeds on Melaleuca spp (Myrtaceae). Adult wasps (misnamed as 'flies') are black with yellow markings. Lophyrotoma zonalis has been introduced into Florida, where Australian Paperbarks have begun multiplying out of control. Thanks to Don Herbison-Evans and Peter Chew for help identifying both the adult male and the larvae.