Harmful Insects

Conifer Sawflies

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Sawflies are relatives of wasps and bees. Instead of having a stinger, they have a "saw" which they use to cut holes in plant tissues in which to lay their eggs. Sawflies are generally host-specific; for example, a pine sawfly will only feed on pines, not on spruce trees. The larvae consume the needles, defoliating and damaging the trees. Several years of moderate to intensive defoliation results in severely decreased tree growth, as well as increased susceptibility to attack by disease and other insects. Full-grown larvae are about one inch in length and resemble caterpillars. Most are a similar green to the needles on which they are feeding, making them difficult to find when they are small. However, they tend to be gregarious, feeding in large colonies. They will move in unison when startled, making them a little easier to spot.

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