Horticulture/Pine Sawflies

The Pine Sawflies are a group of insects that eat the needles of various species of pine. They feed as larvae in large colonies. They are often mistaken for caterpillars, but like all sawflies they are actually closer relatives to wasps and bees rather than moths and butterflies.

Because of their colonial habit, they can cause severe damage to individual pine branches, completely stripping the foliage and leaving only unattractive branches. They tend not to eat the buds, however, so the branch tips usually leaf out afterwards.

Description
The larvae are generally greenish, found in large colonies. They "rear up" when a branch they are feeding on is disturbed, which is a defense mechanism that can scare off birds.

Ecology
Found on pines throughout the landscape, with some species being preferred over others. The adults are good fliers.

Host plants

 * Pines