Definition

A type of insect that belongs to a group known for having a saw-like tool for laying eggs in plants. The larvae often look like caterpillars and feed on plants.

Example

The sawfly larvae were eating the leaves of the garden plants.

Conversation

I saw a really interesting insect in the garden today.

Oh really? What kind of insect was it?

It was a sawfly, and it was cutting into some leaves.

That's cool! I've never seen a sawfly before.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

The word 'sawfly' is formed from 'saw' (from Old English 'sagu', meaning a tool for cutting) and 'fly' (from Old English 'flēoge', meaning an insect that flies). A sawfly is an insect that has a saw-like ovipositor used for cutting into plants to lay eggs.

Memory Tip

Think of a tool that 'cuts' ('saw') and an insect that 'flies' — that's how a sawfly gets its name, as it uses a cutting tool to lay its eggs.

Visually Confused Words