Author
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Smith, David |
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Submitted to: Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 12/12/2003 Publication Date: 1/10/2005 Citation: Smith, D.R. 2005. Review of the Genus Acordulecera say of the West Indies (Hymenoptera: Pergidae) and the first record of Symphyta from Montserrat. Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington. 107:99-107. Interpretive Summary: The caterpillarlike larvae of sawflies, also known as plant-feeding wasps, cause considerable damage to forests, agricultural crops, and ornamental plants. Species of a large genus in North and South America feed on oak, hickory, and walnut, and related species in South America feed on potato. Identity of the species that occur in the West Indies has remained unresolved. This study separates three species, two of which are new to science and one of which is the first sawfly recorded from Montserrat. The species are separated, described, and illustrated. This will be of use to scientists interested in the fauna of the West Indies and, because the islands are an avenue for invasive species, it will be of use to action agencies such as APHIS who attempt to prevent entry of exotic species. Technical Abstract: Acordulecera montserratensis, n. sp., is the first sawfly recorded from Montserrat. Acordulecera Say, the only pergid genus known in the West Indies, is also represented by A. insularis Ashmead from St. Vincent and Dominica, and A. longica, n. sp., from Dominica. The species are keyed, described, illustrated, and characterized from other species of Acordulecera. |
