Habitat
Adults: terrestrial
Immatures: terrestrial

Feeding Habits
Adults: phytophagous
Immatures: phytophagous

North American
Species: 12

Hymenoptera Cimbicidae
Cimbicid sawflies

Special Characteristics: These are large, robust insects with clubbed antennae. Many species resemble bumble bees. Unlike many Hymenoptera, the abdomen is broadly joined to the thorax.

Comments: Cimbicidae are phytophagous; the larvae are all external leaf feeders.

Species:
Cimbex americana Leach

Common Name:
Elm sawfly

Feeding Habits: Larvae eat leaves of honeysuckle, willow, elm, snowberry and other plants.

Distribution:
Widespread in Canada

Comments:
Adults are up to 3 cm long. The adult buzzes when picked up and spines on its powerful legs can cause pain. The larvae is greenish-yellow with black spiracles and a black stripe down its back. When at rest or disturbed it coils into a spiral position. The larvae also ejects a fluid when disturbed, sometimes for a distance of several centimeters.