sawfly

[ saw-flahy ]

noun

, plural saw·flies.

1. any of numerous hymenopterous insects of the family Tenthredinidae, the female of which has a sawlike ovipositor for inserting the eggs in the tissues of a host plant.

sawfly

/ ˈsɔːˌflaɪ /

noun

1. any of various hymenopterous insects of the family Tenthredinidae and related families, the females of which have a sawlike ovipositor

Word History and Origins

Origin of sawfly¹

First recorded in 1765–75; saw ¹ + fly ¹

Example Sentences

"Also, I could mention sawfly larvae that lived in leaves and created tunnels in them as they ate their way through the thin layer of the leaf interior."

From Science Daily

When it does snow, it melts in a few days, and drought conditions have allowed the hemlock sawfly, which feeds on the foliage, to thrive.

From Salon

Eiseman is working on a guide to the larvae of sawflies — the most primitive group of Hymenoptera, the relatives of ants, bees and wasps.

From Seattle Times

The Rhyssa hunts the larvae of sawflies hiding under the bark of trees.

From BBC

Legions of professional entomologists fret about sawflies, ambrosia beetles, scale insects and leafhoppers.

From Washington Post