# 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.

- **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low
- **Habitat:** Forests

![Conifer Sawflies](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Diprionpini.jpg&width=800)

Photo: John Curtis (died 1862), Public domain · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Diprionpini.jpg)

## 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.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Arthropoda
- **Class:** Insecta
- **Order:** Hymenoptera
- **Family:** Diprionidae

## 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

- **Resin Regurgitation:** Conifer Sawflies larvae can regurgitate a defensive, sticky resin because it deters predators that try to eat them.
- **Mass Feeding Defense:** Conifer Sawflies larvae often feed in large groups that helps them overwhelm tree defenses and deter predators.
- **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/scots-pine) (*Pinus sylvestris*) — Sawfly larvae feed on their needles.
- **Hunts:** [Great Tit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/great-tit) (*Parus major*) — They prey on sawfly larvae.
- **Parasitizes:** Ichneumon Wasp (*Lophyroplectus oblongus*) — This wasp lays eggs inside sawfly larvae.

## Traits

- [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
- [Camouflaged](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/camouflaged): Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
- [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
- [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
- [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
- [Keystone Species](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/keystone-species): Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment.
- [Miniature](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/miniature): Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind.
- [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.

## Collections

- [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects)

## Safety

**Danger:** 1/5 · Very low

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

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Conifer Sawflies?

Look for six legs, antennae, three body sections and the shape of the wings. Beetles have hardened front wings; flies have just one working pair. Tiny insects may need a close view before their group is clear. Insect Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### 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

## More Insects

- [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*)
- [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*)
- [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*)
- [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*)

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Source: [Conifer Sawflies: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/conifer-sawflies)