🐝 Ants, Bees & Wasps

Poplar Sawfly

Trichiocampus viminalis

About Poplar Sawfly

A small sawfly with a yellow-orange body and black head. Its brightly colored yellow-and-black larvae feed on poplar and willow leaves in conspicuous clusters.

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Did You Know?

The larvae display classic aposematic coloration with bold yellow and black markings, warning predators of their unpalatability.

How to Identify Poplar Sawfly

Poplar Sawfly (Trichiocampus viminalis) belongs to the order Hymenoptera, family Tenthredinidae. Adults typically measure 7-10 mm.

Poplar Sawfly Habitat

Poplar Sawfly is found in underground habitats, particularly across Europe, temperate Asia. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.

Poplar Sawfly Diet and Feeding

Poplar 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 Poplar Sawfly Found?

Poplar Sawfly can be found in Europe, temperate Asia, where it inhabits underground environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.

Distribution Map

Where Poplar Sawfly can be found

Is Poplar Sawfly Dangerous?

Poplar 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.

Poplar Sawfly Role in Nature

Poplar 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

Jan
Feb
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Aug
Sep
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Dec
Peak activity Moderate Low / dormant

Frequently Asked Questions About Poplar Sawfly

What does Poplar Sawfly look like?

The Poplar Sawfly typically measures 7-10 mm.

Where is Poplar Sawfly found?

The Poplar Sawfly is found in Europe, temperate Asia and typically inhabits underground environments.

What does Poplar Sawfly eat?

The Poplar Sawfly feeds on plant material including leaves, stems, and other vegetation.

Is Poplar Sawfly dangerous to humans?

The Poplar 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 Poplar Sawfly?

The larvae display classic aposematic coloration with bold yellow and black markings, warning predators of their unpalatability.

Cite This Page

APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Poplar Sawfly (Trichiocampus viminalis). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/poplar-sawfly

MLA:
"Poplar Sawfly." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/poplar-sawfly.