Pine Sawfly

Sawflies are non-stinging wasps that have their ovipositor serrated like a saw. The "saw" is used in making slits in the plant. Eggs are then deposited in the slit.

European pine sawfly mature larva has a black head and is grayish green with black lines along it side. There is one generation per year. t pupates in the leaf litter under the pine and adults lay eggs in slits in older needles as new growth is emerging.

The redheaded pine sawfly (Neodiprion lecontei) over-winters in a prepupal stage in the litter under the tree. In the spring after completing pupation, the adults emerge. Eggs are laid in slits in the edge of needles. The larvae feed on the foliage. After four weeks the sawflies fall to the ground to spin a cocoon. There is usually a second generation later in the growing season. It is not usually found in the home landscape. However it is a serious pest in forest and nurseries in the northern United States and in Canada.

The white pine sawfly also feeds in the spring. It primarily attacks Eastern white pine, but will also attack other pines. Its life cycle is similar to the redheaded pine sawfly except that there is no second generation later in the growing season.