Virginia Pine Sawfly
Neodiprion pratti pratti |
| USDA Forest Service. 1979. A guide to common insects and diseases of forest trees in the northeastern United States. Northeast. Area State Priv. For., For. Insect and Disease Management., Broomall, PA. p. 123, illus. |
The Virginia pine sawfly prefers Virginia and shortleaf pines, although pitch, loblolly, jack, and red pines are also attacked wherever they occur within the sawfly's range. Severe defoliation in successive years reduces growth and weakens trees, making them susceptible to other insects and diseases.
The insect overwinters in the egg stage, and larvae emerge in April. Maturing by the time new foliage develops, the larvae have greenish bodies with black spots or lines on the sides and black heads. Feeding gives trees a tufted appearance. Mature larvae pupate in cocoons in the soil or litter. Adults emerge in late summer and deposit eggs in needles during early fall. There is one generation per year.
Damage; strawlike feeding injury by young larvae
USDA Forest Service - Ashville Archives, USDA Forest Service |
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