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Diprion similis

Sawfly Diprion similis

Description

Adults are 7 to 8 mm long, with transparent wings. Females lay small oval eggs on pine needles in May and June and then cover the eggs with a green froth. The larvae have two black lines down their back with numerous white yellow spots. Young larvae feed gregariously. The larvae pupate in a cocoon that is cylindrical with rounded ends. There are 2 generations of the pest in Europe. The late instar larvae of the second generation overwinter in cocoons and adults emerge in the spring. The larvae feed on old needles. If population density is high, the current year’s foliage may also be consumed.

Symptom

Larvae of needles and branches. The larvae have two black lines down their back with numerous white yellow spots.

Tree Species: Pine

Part of a plant- attacked: Leaf / Needle

Pest significance: Very harmful

Pest Category: Insects

Invasive Species: No

Present in EU: Yes