Dineura

Dineura is a genus of sawflies belonging to the family Tenthredinidae. These insects are characterized as plant feeders, primarily consuming the foliage of various trees and shrubs.

Dineura species are found in various regions, particularly in the Northern Hemisphere, including Europe and North America. The larvae, which resemble caterpillars, are the most conspicuous stage, often observed feeding in groups or individually on their host plants.

The life cycle of Dineura sawflies involves complete metamorphosis: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The females lay eggs on or within the tissues of the host plant. Upon hatching, the larvae go through several instars, molting as they grow. Once fully developed, the larvae pupate, often in the soil or leaf litter. The adults emerge from the pupae and are responsible for reproduction and dispersal.

Species identification within the Dineura genus can be challenging and often requires examination of subtle morphological characteristics of both the larvae and adults.