# 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. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Forests ![Introduced Pine Sawfly](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/2025_05_27_Diprion_similis_m1a.jpg&width=800) Photo: Slimguy, CC BY-SA 4.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2025_05_27_Diprion_similis_m1a.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Hymenoptera - **Family:** Diprionidae - **Genus:** Diprion ## 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 - **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. - **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. - **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-white-pine) (*Pinus strobus*) — Larvae defoliate needles of this common pine. - **Eats:** [Scots Pine](https://www.snappit.app/explore/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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/black-capped-chickadee) (*Poecile atricapillus*) — Birds prey on sawfly larvae and pupae. ## Traits - [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring. - [Camouflaged](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/camouflaged): Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [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. - [Miniature](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/miniature): Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind. - [Invasive](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/invasive): Invasive species are non-native organisms that cause harm to the environment, economy, or human health. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low It's best to look at insects from a distance and not touch them. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Introduced Pine Sawfly? 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 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 ## 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*) --- Source: [Introduced Pine Sawfly: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/introduced-pine-sawfly)