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 This
is the time of year when residents in southeastern Nebraska
start looking for immature sawfly larvae on their trees.
Sawflies
are an interesting group of insects related to wasps
and bees. They get their name from the saw-like ovipositor
the adult female uses to lay eggs.
Adult
sawflies are inconspicuous wasp-like insects that do
not sting.
The
larval or immature stage of sawflies are plant feeders
and look like hairless caterpillars (the immature stage
of butterflies and moths)
Ash
Sawfly Larvae (like the one in the photo right)
are pale green with a yellowish marking behind the head.
Damaged ash trees have leaves stripped, typically near
the tips of the branches on the new growth.
 Pine
Sawfly Larvae (photo right) are grayish-green and
have a light stripe down the back, a light stripe along
each side followed by a dark green stripe. Full grown
larvae are about one inch long. The larvae feed in groups
or colonies, often with three or four feeding together
on a single needle. When disturbed, the larvae raise
their heads and tails in a threatening manner. Full
grown larvae feed vigorously on the needles of Scotch
and Mugho pines.
Find
timely resources on pests in the yard and garden, and
get control information - visit HERE:
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