Cimbex americanus
# Cimbex americanus

Cimbex americanus, the elm sawfly, is a species of sawfly in the family Cimbicidae. This is a very large species of Hymenoptera, with adults measuring 3 cm and larvae reaching 5 cm long. If captured, adults may buzz and use their powerful spiny legs defensively. However, like other sawflies, this species does not possess a sting. The fly Opheltes glaucopterus is a parasite of the prepupae stage of this sawfly.

## Taxonomy

This species was originally described as Cimbex americana by William Elford Leach, who treated the genus as feminine. However, Cimbex comes from a masculine Greek noun, and the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature thus requires masculine species. Thus, its correct name is Cimbex americanus.

