Sawfly

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A specific group of insects within the Hymenoptera order, recognized for their saw-shaped ovipositors which are utilized for egg deposition in plants
2. An insect categorized under Hymenoptera, distinguished by an elongated serrated structure used to implant eggs into plant material
3. An insect belonging to the Hymenoptera order, identified by its unique ovipositor that resembles a saw and is used for depositing eggs within plant tissues

Etymology: The sawfly takes its name from two plain English words placed side by side: "saw" and "fly." The insect's name describes its most distinctive feature, the female's egg-laying organ, which is a flat, toothed blade (the ovipositor) resembling a small saw. She uses it to cut slits in leaves or stems and deposit eggs inside the plant tissue. Despite the name, sawflies are not true flies. They belong to the order Hymenoptera, the same group as bees, wasps and ants, and unlike most of their relatives they lack the narrow "wasp waist," which is why they are sometimes described as the most primitive members of the order. Their larvae often look like caterpillars, a resemblance that has led to confusion, though the two groups are unrelated.