Pine Sawfly Identification and Damage in Omaha Pines
A needle-feeding pest whose bee-like adults and caterpillar-like larvae can strip young and old needles alike from several pine species common around Omaha.
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Which Pines Are at Risk
Pine sawflies feed on Ponderosa, Scotch, Austrian, and Jack pine trees.
Identifying Pine Sawfly Larvae and Adults
Larvae have eight pairs of prolegs and coloring that ranges from grayish to yellowish-green, with some varieties showing one or more longitudinal stripes. Mature larvae reach 18 to 25 mm in length. Adult sawflies resemble small bees rather than the moths or beetles many other pine pests turn into.
Life Cycle and Seasonal Feeding
Life cycle details and the number of generations per year depend on the species. Most pine sawflies overwinter as pupae or prepupae, while a minority overwinter as eggs. In spring, larvae typically start out feeding in groups on needle tips, then shift to feeding solitary or in pairs as they mature. Most species eventually drop to the soil, spin cocoons, and pupate underground. When disturbed, all larvae rear up into a characteristic S shape.
How Much Damage Pine Sawfly Can Cause
Feeding habits vary by species — some feed only on young needles, some only on old needles, and others feed on both. Species that feed only on young or only on old needles weaken trees and slow their growth, while species that feed on both young and old needles may kill a tree that's already severely damaged.
Related reading
See all guidesPine Needle Scale
Another common pine pest, but one that feeds by sucking sap rather than chewing needles.
Zimmerman Pine Moth
A boring pest of pine trunks and branches, distinct from the needle-feeding pine sawfly.
Plant Health Care
Monitoring and treatment to catch needle-feeding pests like pine sawfly before they spread.
