About Japanese Maple Sawfly
A colorful web-spinning sawfly with a large head, bright orange body, and distinctive long antennae. It is associated with umbelliferous plants in southern Europe.
Did You Know?
Despite its common association with umbellifers, this species belongs to a family mostly known for conifer and broadleaf tree feeders.
How to Identify Japanese Maple Sawfly
Japanese Maple Sawfly (Megalodontes cephalotes) belongs to the order Hymenoptera, family Pamphiliidae. Adults typically measure 12-18 mm.
Japanese Maple Sawfly Habitat
Japanese Maple Sawfly is found in meadows habitats, particularly across Southern and Central Europe. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Japanese Maple Sawfly Diet and Feeding
Japanese Maple Sawfly is a herbivore, feeding on plant material including leaves, stems, flowers, and other vegetation. Herbivorous insects play a significant role in ecosystems by influencing plant growth and serving as a food source for predators.
Where Is Japanese Maple Sawfly Found?
Japanese Maple Sawfly can be found in Southern and Central Europe, where it inhabits meadows environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Japanese Maple Sawfly can be found
Is Japanese Maple Sawfly Dangerous?
Japanese Maple Sawfly belongs to the order Hymenoptera, which includes many stinging insects. While not typically aggressive, it may sting if threatened or handled. Stings can cause pain and swelling, and in rare cases may trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Japanese Maple Sawfly Role in Nature
Japanese Maple Sawfly is part of the food web as a primary consumer, feeding on plant material. It serves as an important food source for birds, bats, amphibians, and other insectivores, connecting plant energy to higher trophic levels.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Japanese Maple Sawfly
What does Japanese Maple Sawfly look like?
The Japanese Maple Sawfly typically measures 12-18 mm.
Where is Japanese Maple Sawfly found?
The Japanese Maple Sawfly is found in Southern and Central Europe and typically inhabits meadows environments.
What does Japanese Maple Sawfly eat?
The Japanese Maple Sawfly feeds on plant material including leaves, stems, and other vegetation.
Is Japanese Maple Sawfly dangerous to humans?
The Japanese Maple Sawfly belongs to the order Hymenoptera, which includes stinging insects. While not typically aggressive, it may sting if threatened or handled.
What is an interesting fact about Japanese Maple Sawfly?
Despite its common association with umbellifers, this species belongs to a family mostly known for conifer and broadleaf tree feeders.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Japanese Maple Sawfly (Megalodontes cephalotes). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/japanese-maple-sawfly
MLA:
"Japanese Maple Sawfly." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/japanese-maple-sawfly.