Larval colonies may migrate from one tree to another, especially upon complete defoliation of the host tree or high feeding competition. Most species prefer older foliage, but all foliage is susceptible at end of growing season. Small larvae feed on outer needle tissues larger larvae consume entire needles. After mating, female sawflies lay eggs in slits sawed in pine needles. Adult sawflies emerge by removing a cap at one end of cocoon. Mature sawfly larvae spin cocoons in the duff or pine litter, mineral soil, or under bark scales. Drooz, USDA Forest Service, Biology (Back to Top) Cocoons of the blackheaded pine sawfly, Neodiprion excitans Rohwer, in bark crevices on truck. Adult of a dipteran parasitoid of the redheaded pine sawfly, Neodiprion lecontei (Fitch), emerging from a cocoon. Photograph by Jana Albers, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Figure 12. Cocoon of the redheaded pine sawfly, Neodiprion lecontei (Fitch), on branch. The cocoon is light brown to dark reddish-brown, papery, and 3.5 to 6.0 mm wide x 7.1 to 10.0 mm long (Coppel and Benjamin 1965, Thatcher 1971, Wilkinson 1965).įigure 11. Lenhard, Louisiana State University, Pupa: The pupa length is similar to that of the adult. Larvae of the blackheaded pine sawfly, Neodiprion excitans Rohwer. Billings, Texas Forest Service, Figure 10. Larvae of the redheaded pine sawfly, Neodiprion lecontei (Fitch). Hyche, Auburn University, Larva: The length of the mature larva is 18 to 25 mm with variable coloration (see Table 1).įigure 7. Eggs of the redheaded pine sawfly, Neodiprion lecontei (Fitch), in pine needle. Lenhard, Louisiana State University, Egg: The egg is small (0.5 mm wide x 1.8 mm long), green-yellow-white color, and ovoid.įigure 6. Adults of the blackheaded pine sawfly, Neodiprion excitans Rohwer. Photograph by James Castner, University of Florida.įigure 5. Adult male slash pine sawfly, Neodiprion merkeli Ross. It generally has brown to black color wings, similar to the female.įigure 4. The male has broad, feathery antennae on the head with a slender, thick-waisted body. Hyche, Auburn University, Adult: The adult male has a length of 5 to 7 mm. Adult female redheaded pine sawfly, Neodiprion lecontei (Fitch). Drawing by Division of Plant Industry.įigure 3. Adult female Neodiprion sp.(Adapted from Atwood 1961). The two pairs of wings are clear to light brown with prominent veins.įigure 2. The background color varies from light to dark brown, with yellow-red-white markings common. This is unlike most Hymenopteran insects which have the thinner, wasp-like waist. However, an adult female has a length of 8 to 10 mm, with narrow antennae on the head and a stout and thick-waisted body. Six species are covered here so there is some variation in appearance. Host tree specificity and location will bear on sawfly distribution statewide. Drooz, USDA Forest Service Distribution (Back to Top) Larvae of the blackheaded pine sawfly, Neodiprion excitans Rohwer, on Pinus sp.
Trees of all ages are susceptible to sawfly defoliation (Barnard and Dixon 1983, Coppel and Benjamin 1965).įigure 1. Sawfly infestations can cause growth loss and mortality, especially when followed by secondary attack by bark and wood-boring beetles (Coleoptera: Buprestidae, Cerambycidae, Scolytidae,). Pine sawfly larvae, Neodiprion spp., are the most common defoliating insects of pine trees, Pinus spp., in Florida. (Insecta: Hymenoptera: Diprionidae) Introduction - Distribution - Description - Biology - Hosts - Survey and Detection - Management - Selected Pines typically grow in a cone-like shape.Scientific name: Neodiprion spp. Its needle-like branches can grow as long as 5 to 11 inches, and grow 2 or 3 inches at a time from the fascicle. Pines have an extensive root system, which is best left undisturbed. They are also known to be bird sanctuaries woodpeckers, owls, eagles, and egrets are most commonly found nesting in their branches.
In the wild, they make great food sources for squirrels and wild turkey. It is typical to see Pine trees in reforestation projects. Some commercial uses for them include utilizing their heavy, strong wood for construction including railroad ties, pilings, turpentine, furniture, and rosin. Cold hardy and benefiting from wet summers and humidity, these trees thrive in the infertile soils of sandhills, flatwoods, and wet lowlands, such as swamps and ponds.
Reaching heights of 80 to 100 feet, Pine trees are moderately fast growers and need full sun and well-draining soil. This evergreen, coniferous tree is indigenous to the southeastern United States. The Slash Pine is named after its unique, narrow leaf structure, which resembles pins or slashes.