Pronunciation: [sˈɔːfla͡ɪ] (IPA) 
The word "sawfly" is spelled with an "a" instead of an "o" despite the fact that it derives from the word "saw", which is spelled with an "o". The reason for this difference in spelling is because "sawfly" comes from the Old English word "sagu" which was pronounced with an "a" sound. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word can be written as /ˈsɔːflaɪ/ to represent the pronunciation that reflects the Old English origin of the word.
A sawfly refers to any insect belonging to the suborder Symphyta, which is a group of primitive hymenopterans comprising numerous species. These insects are characterized by their saw-like ovipositors, which are used by females to cut into plants for egg-laying purposes. Sawflies are often mistaken for wasps or bees due to their similar appearance, but they can be distinguished by their lack of a thin waist or wasp-like body shape.
Sawflies typically have slender bodies, with most species ranging in size from a few millimeters to a couple of centimeters. They have two pairs of wings and their antennae are usually long and segmented. The larvae of sawflies, also known as sawfly caterpillars, are herbivorous and feed on the leaves of various plants, especially trees and shrubs. They often congregate in groups and can cause significant damage to crops and ornamental plants.
The life cycle of sawflies typically involves a complete metamorphosis, similar to other insects such as butterflies. After mating, the female sawfly uses her saw-like ovipositor to insert eggs into the plant tissue. The eggs hatch into larvae, which go through several molts before reaching maturity. When fully grown, the larvae pupate and eventually emerge as adult sawflies.
While some species of sawflies are considered beneficial in natural ecosystems, acting as pollinators or predators of other insects, several are notorious pests in agriculture and horticulture. Control measures for sawflies include cultural practices, such as pruning infested branches or employing biological control agents like parasitic wasps or insecticides in severe cases.
The word "sawfly" originated from the Old English term "sawe" meaning "saw", and "fleoġe" meaning "fly". The "saw" part of the word is thought to stem from the resemblance of a female sawfly's ovipositor (egg-laying tube) to a small saw blade. The term "sawfly" has been in use since at least the 14th century to describe these insects, which have certain similarities to both wasps and flies.
