Numbers
~10 spp. in a single genus in our area
(1); worldwide, the third largest symphytan family, with ~440 spp. in 60 genera
(2)(3)Identification
Mesonotum not divided by a transverse groove between bases of fore wings. Protibia with 2 apical spurs, the smaller spur at least half as long as larger spur. Fore wing without longitudinal vein Sc; at most a short vein Sc1 dividing costal cell. Metatibia with 1 preapical spur or none. Pronotum in dorsal view with posterior margin strongly concave. Tergum 1 extending to metacoxa and fused with metapleuron (in pale specimens, area of fusion darker and not to be confused as a division between sclerites). Mesoscutellar appendage fused to mesoscutellum. Protibia with dorsal spur usually simple. Antenna with 4-23 flagellomeres, fore wing in specimens of most genera without closed anal cell, base of vein 2A&3A absent, and hind wing without closed anal and medial cells.
Range
Gondwanan distribution, with the majority of spp. in S. America and Australia (none in Africa) and feeble holarctic representation; almost 2/3 of the spp. are in the New World
(2)Food
food plant diversity exceeds that found in any other sawfly family
(2)
