Introduced Pine Sawfly
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Introduced Pine Sawfly
Diprion similis
The Introduced Pine Sawfly is a small insect that loves to munch on pine trees. They have a green body and can be found in groups, making them easy to spot on tree leaves.
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The Introduced Pine Sawfly adult female has a black body with prominent yellow markings and an orange head. Males are mostly black with white-banded antennae and legs. Its larvae are greenish-yellow with black heads and two dark stripes along their backs, making them distinctive.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHymenopteraFamilyDiprionidaeGenusDiprion
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Female sawflies use a special 'saw' to tuck eggs safely inside pine needles.
Introduced Pine Sawflies arrived in North America from Europe!
These larvae wiggle together to scare away hungry birds!
They are not true flies, but are more like tiny wasps without a sting!
Special abilities
Ability
Resin Regurgitation
Introduced Pine Sawfly larvae can regurgitate sticky pine resin as a defense because of specialized digestive systems that concentrate it from their food.
Ability
Saw-like Ovipositor
The Introduced Pine Sawfly female has a specialized saw-like ovipositor that helps her cut slits into pine needles for safe egg-laying.
Ability
Group Defense
Young Introduced Pine Sawfly larvae feed in large groups that helps them deter predators and stay safer together.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 12-20 mm
- Size
- 6-10 mm
- Lifespan
- 30-270 days
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Pine Sawfly larvae munch on pine needles, while adults may drink nectar or water.
Age differences: Larvae feed exclusively on pine needles, while adults typically do not feed or consume minimal nectar/water.
Primary Foods
- Pinus strobus
- Pinus sylvestris
- Pinus nigra
- Pinus resinosa
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eats
Eastern White Pine
Pinus strobus
Larvae defoliate needles of this common pine.
eats
Scots Pine
Pinus sylvestris
A primary food source for sawfly larvae.
eaten by
Small European Pine Sawfly Parasitoid
Dahlbominus fuscipennis
Parasitic wasp lays eggs on sawfly pupae.
eaten by
Black-capped Chickadee
Poecile atricapillus
Birds prey on sawfly larvae and pupae.
Traits
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Camouflaged
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Miniature
Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind.
Invasive
Invasive species are non-native organisms that cause harm to the environment, economy, or human health.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
It's best to look at insects from a distance and not touch them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Introduced Pine Sawfly's wingspan?
12-20 mm
How big is Introduced Pine Sawfly?
6-10 mm
How long does Introduced Pine Sawfly live?
30-270 days
What does Introduced Pine Sawfly eat?
Pine Sawfly larvae munch on pine needles, while adults may drink nectar or water.
Where is Introduced Pine Sawfly usually found?
Forests
How does Introduced Pine Sawfly hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Introduced Pine Sawfly have?
6
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