Sawflies are a group of insects in the suborder (Symphyta) of the Hymenoptera (bees, ants and wasps). There are about 500 species of

Sawfly are small winged insects, related to bees, wasps and ants. Their caterpillar-like larvae feed on the leaves or fruits of certain plants, including apples, gooseberries and Solomen’s seal.

The variety of living organisms (plants, animals, fungi and microorganisms) in a particular environment. Boosting the biodiversity of your garden has many benefits, including supporting wildlife, improving soil health and reducing the likelihood of pest and disease problems.

biodiversity

Fox-coloured sawfly (Neodiprion sertifer) is 7-9 mm long and pale orange-brown. The larvae reach 25 mm in length are a dirty green colour with a black

A branch that grows from the main trunk or trunks.

The larvae of both species of sawfly feed in groups on the needles of pines during the spring and summer.

Sawflies can be a part the biodiversity a heathy garden supports

• Where possible tolerate populations of sawfly
• Encourage predators and other natural enemies of sawfly in the garden, such as birds and ground beetles
• Check plants regularly from spring for the presence of larvae and remove by hand where practical

Pine sawfly adults are active in spring and the females lay eggs in slits they make with an egg laying organ (ovipositer) in the needles. The larvae hatch after a few weeks and feed in groups on the needles. These larvae will lift their abdomen off the plant in a group as a defensive posture when disturbed. The larvae are usually fully grown by July where they spin brown cocoons on the foliage or on the ground beneath the plant. New adults emerging in July or August and can produce a second generation of larvae that feed in late summer and autumn. The autumn generation spins cocoons in soil or leaf litter, pupating in the following spring.

Fox-coloured sawfly adults are active in late summer and early autumn and lay eggs on the needles. The eggs overwinter and hatch in spring. The larvae feed in groups which will raise their abdomens when disturbed. In late June the fully grown larvae drop to the soil to pupate in an oval cocoon. This species has one generation a year.