Sawfly Larvae
Tenthredinidae family
Basic Details
Description
Taxonomy
Features
Translations
Basic Details
NameSawfly Larvae
DescriptionSawfly larvae look like caterpillars but are actually related to wasps. Identify their characteristic 'S-shape' posture to stop them from skeletonizing your roses and fruit trees.
TypeInsect
FamilyTenthredinidae
GenusTenthredo
Taxonomy & Features
PhylumArthropoda
SubphylumHexapoda
ClassInsecta
OrderHymenoptera
SubfamilyTenthredininae
Features
- Named for the saw-like organ (ovipositor) females use to cut slits into leaves or stems to lay their eggs. Despite the name, they are more closely related to wasps than flies
- Larvae resemble caterpillars but have 6 or more pairs of prolegs (caterpillars have 5 or fewer). Many species have a dark head and a translucent or green 'slug-like' body
- Voracious leaf-eaters. Some species feed in groups, while others roll leaves or mine through leaf tissue. When disturbed, many 'rear up' their bodies into an S-shape
- Damage ranges from pinholes to complete skeletonization (leaving only veins). Some species (like Pear Slugs) leave only a thin, transparent layer of leaf tissue
- Most species produce one or two generations per year. They overwinter as pupae or larvae in the soil or in protective cocoons on the plant
- Larvae range from 10 to 25 mm depending on species and age. Adults are non-stinging winged insects that look like thick-waisted wasps
- Most active from mid-spring through early summer. Different species have very specific timing linked to the leafing-out of their host plants
- Attack a wide variety of plants including roses (rose slugs), pear trees, cherries, hibiscus, pines, and many forest trees
- Monitor host plants early in the spring for the first signs of tiny holes or slug-like trails. Handpicking into soapy water is effective for small numbers
- Use a strong water spray to knock larvae off plants. Treat with neem oil, spinosad, or insecticidal soap. Note: Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) does NOT work on sawflies
Names in Different Languages
Latin / ScientificTenthredinidae family
English (Alternate)Rose slug, Pear slug, Pine sawfly
Hindiआरा मक्खी (Aara makkhi)
Tamilஈ கிருமி (Ee kirumi)
Teluguసాఫ్లై (Sawfly)
Malayalamസോഫ്ളൈ (Sōphḷai)
Kannadaಗರಗಸ ನೊಣ (Garagasa noṇa)
Sanskritक्रकच-मक्षिका (Krakaca-makṣikā)
Bengaliসা ফ্লাই (Saw fly)
Frenchtenthrède, mouche à scie
Russianпилильщик (pilil'shchik)
Spanishmosca de sierra
GermanBlattwespe
