argid sawflies

Arge is a genus of argid sawflies. It occurs in North America, Europe, Asia, and southern Africa. It occurs throughout North America but is most common east of the Great Plains and west of the Rocky Mountains. There are more than 200 Arge species worldwide, 36 species in the Western Hemisphere, at least 12 species in North America north of Mexico, and at least 6 species in Minnesota.

Larvae feed on the foliage of shrubs and trees. They can be identified by the plant species on which they are found. Adults are active from spring to mid-summer. They visit flowers of many plants, not just host species. The female lays eggs on the leaves of a host plant, usually in rows on the margins.

Arge sawflies are relatively stout-bodied but small typical sawflies, no more than 9⁄16″ (14 mm) in length.

The antennae have three segments. On the male the third segment is very long and straight, not divided and not U-shaped.

On the middle and hind legs the fourth segment (tibia) has a spine near the tip (preapical). The last part of the leg (tarsus), corresponding to the foot, has two claws at the tip. The claws are simple, not cleft.

On the forewing the basal anal cell is present. On the hindwing the anal cell is present. On both wings, the cell R1, near the apex, is closed.

Sources

24, 27, 29, 30, 82.

This genus has no common name. The common name of the family Argidae is argid sawflies, and it is used here for convenience.

Location: Woodbury, Minnesota