ExploreInsects

Conifer Sawflies

Diprionidae

Conifer sawflies are small insects that love to munch on pine trees! They have a unique look with their soft bodies and can be found in many forests.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Conifer Sawflies has a stocky, cylindrical body with a broad waist, unlike the narrow 'wasp waist' of true wasps. Adults often exhibit dull metallic sheens or patterns of black, brown, green, or yellow. Their four membranous wings are usually clear or slightly smoky.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHymenopteraFamilyDiprionidae
Conifer Sawflies
solitary trait badgecamouflaged trait badgeherbivorous trait badgeforest trait badge
Conifer Sawflies

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Sawfly larvae look like caterpillars but have more tummy legs!

Some sawflies can clone themselves without a male parent!

Their name comes from the female's saw-like organ used to cut slits for eggs!

Young sawflies wiggle their bodies together to scare away birds!

Special abilities

Ability

Resin Regurgitation

Conifer Sawflies larvae can regurgitate a defensive, sticky resin because it deters predators that try to eat them.

Ability

Mass Feeding Defense

Conifer Sawflies larvae often feed in large groups that helps them overwhelm tree defenses and deter predators.

Ability

Asexual Reproduction

Some Conifer Sawflies species can reproduce asexually, creating offspring without needing a male partner.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
10-20 mm
Size
5-10 mm
Lifespan
30-90 days
Flight Speed
5-10 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Young sawflies munch on conifer needles, while adults often sip nectar.

Age differences: Larvae are herbivores, consuming conifer needles, while adults primarily feed on nectar or tree sap.

Primary Foods

  • conifer needles
  • pine sap
  • spruce sap
  • fir needles
  • nectar

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Scots Pine

Pinus sylvestris

Sawfly larvae feed on their needles.

hunts

Great Tit

Parus major

They prey on sawfly larvae.

parasitizes

Ichneumon Wasp

Lophyroplectus oblongus

This wasp lays eggs inside sawfly larvae.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Don't touch insects without asking an adult, as some can be delicate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Conifer Sawflies's wingspan?

10-20 mm

How big is Conifer Sawflies?

5-10 mm

How long does Conifer Sawflies live?

30-90 days

How fast can Conifer Sawflies fly?

5-10 km/h

What does Conifer Sawflies eat?

Young sawflies munch on conifer needles, while adults often sip nectar.

Where is Conifer Sawflies usually found?

Forests

How does Conifer Sawflies hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Conifer Sawflies have?

6

Snap Map

Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.

Loading map…

Recent Snaps

Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.

More Insects