Distribution

Throughout temperate Eurasia. Introduced to North and South America, South Africa, Australia, Tasmania and New Zealand.

Biology

Phytophagous. Larvae feed on leaves of Rosaceae, especially cultivated Pyrus (Pears) and Prunus (Plums), also cherries and apples. Pupate in soil beneath host plant.

Reference

Goulet, H. 1993. Superfamilies Cephoidea, Megalodontoidea, Orussoidea, Siricoidea, Tenthredinoidea and Xyeloidea (pp. 101-129). In GOULET, H. & HUBER, J. (eds). Hymenoptera of the World: an identification guide to families. Research Branch, Agriculture Canada, Ottawa, Canada, 668 pp.

Kaiser, C. & Sheard, A.G. 2001. Integrated pest and disease management (IPDM) of apples and pears in KwaZulu-Natal. KZN Agri Report No. NA-2001-06.

van Noort, S. & Picker, M. 2011. Wasps, Bees, Ants. Class Insecta, Order Hymenoptera. Pp 140-146. In:  Picker, M. & Griffiths, C. (eds.) Alien & Invasive Animals. A South African perspective. Struik Nature.

Credits

Photographs © Charles Griffiths (University of Cape Town)