argid sawfly

The Argidae family, also known as argid sawflies, are a group of stout-bodied insects found worldwide. They are considered among the most primitive insects within the order Hymenoptera. Adult argid sawflies resemble wasps but lack a constricted "waist." Their larvae are caterpillar-like and can be distinguished from other caterpillars by the presence of fleshy prolegs on all body segments following the true legs.1

Argid sawflies have three-jointed antennae. The larvae of many species feed on plants such as rose bushes, willow, oak, and birch trees. While some sawfly species can be economic pests, others, like parasitic wasps, are valuable in controlling insect pests.213