Grounds Services, Inc. | Turf, Tree & Shrub Management System: Tree & Shrub: Insect ID: Sawflies

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sawfly Sawflies

There is a variety of sawfly species, some will feed exclusively on pine needles from the previous years growth while others feed on leaves of ash or birch trees. The sawfly is related to bees, wasps and ants and comes in a variety of species. the good news is that chemical control is seldom needed since natural predators usually keep this pest in check. Below is more information on specific species of the sawfly and it's characteristics.

European Pine Sawfly Appearance: Larvae are gray-green with a black head and legs Feeds on previous years needles and current bark growth.
Pine Sawfly Appearance: Yellow-green body with a double stripe of black and multiple yellow and black spots White pine is preferred. First generation larvae eat the previous year's needles; second generation larvae feed on both new and old needles.
Redheaded Pine Sawfly Appearance: Larvae have reddish brown heads and yellow bodies with six rows of irregular black spots. Larvae can completely defoliate a conifer tree from the top down. Young trees or stressed trees are preferred.
White Pine Sawfly Appearance: Larvae are pale yellow with black heads and four rows of black spots. Larvae will feed on needles (both new and old) branch by branch - slowly defoliating the tree.
Larch Sawfly Appearance: Larvae have black heads, gray-green bodies with white abdomens Larvae feed on short older needles
Brownheaded Ash Sawfly Appearance: Brownheaded larvae are an off-white color with a black head and legs. Larvae feed on ash leaves, leaving the tree completely defoliated if not controlled.
Dusky Birch Sawfly Appearance: Larvae are yellow-green with black blotches on their sides and a black head. Larvae feed on the leaf margin of birches.

What homeowners can do:

Manually picking larvae off the tree and placing them into a bucket of soapy water to kill the larvae
Applying chemical control to the tree or soil injections will help control the larvae population
Promote bird activity in your lawn

If you believe your trees or shrubs have been affected with disease or fungus activity, call Grounds Services today for a no-obligations visit at 419-536-4344.