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Title: A synopsis of the Sawflies (Hymenoptera: Symphyta) of America south of the United States: Tenthredinidae (Allantinae)

Author
item Smith, David

Submitted to: Journal of Hymenoptera Research
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/19/2002
Publication Date: 4/2/2003
Citation: Smith, D.R. 2003. A synopsis of the Sawflies (Hymenoptera: Symphyta) of America south of the United States: Tenthredinidae (Allantinae). Journal of Hymenoptera Research. 12:148-192.

Interpretive Summary: The caterpillarlike larvae of sawflies are part of the plant-feeding complex of insects that may cause extensive damage in forests, agricultural crops, and ornamentals. Some are beneficial and have been considered for importation for biological control of invasive weeds. The fauna of America south of the United States is poorly known. There has never been a comprehensive study on the sawflies of this region. This study gives keys and descriptions so that these insects can be identified. They occur from Mexico to Chile, and some are orchard and forest pests. Nine species are newly described. This study provides a means for identification of members of this subfamily from south of the United States. It will help APHIS identify interceptions and prevent entry of invasive species, aid biological control workers to search for natural enemies of plants, and be of use to all interested in studying plant-feeding insects.

Technical Abstract: The subfamily Allantinae of the Tenthredinidae is reviewed for the New World south of the United States. Six genera and 40 species are included. Acidiophora includes 7 species in South America; Empria, 2 species in Mexico; Ametastegia, 5 species from Mexico to Costa Rica and an introduced species in Chile; Antholcus, 1 species in Chile; Macremphytus, 1 species in Mexico; and Probleta, 24 species from southern Mexico to southern Brazil. New species are Ametastegia hansoni (Costa Rica), Probleta corana (Santa Catarina, Brazil), P. decorata (Costa Rica), P. grossoensis (Mato Grosso, Brazil; Colombia), P. malaisei (Santa Catarina and Paraná, Brazil), P. mazona (Amazonas, Brazil), P. nicklei (Peru), P. shannoni (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil), and P. siceva (Peru). Protoprobleta Malaise is a new synonym of Probleta Konow. Keys and descriptions are given for the genera and species.