Juniper Sawfly – Gilpinia hercyniae

Juniper Sawfly – Gilpinia hercyniae Common Name: Juniper Sawfly Latin Name: Gilpinia hercyniae Appearance: The Juniper Sawfly is a flying insect resembling a wasp. It has a black head and thorax and a brownish-yellow abdomen. Adults are approximately 6-8 mm long.

• Egg:The female Juniper Sawfly lays her eggs in the needles of juniper trees.
• Pupae:The Juniper Sawfly pupa is encased in a cocoon made of silk.
• Larva:The Juniper Sawfly larvae are caterpillar-like, with green bodies and blackheads. They have several pairs of legs and can grow up to 20 mm long.
• Adults:Adult Juniper Sawflies are short-lived and do not feed. They are primarily responsible for mating and laying eggs.

Host plants: The Juniper Sawfly feeds exclusively on juniper trees. Territory: The Juniper Sawfly is found in Europe and Asia, as well as in parts of North America. Damages caused by Juniper Sawfly:  The larvae of the Juniper Sawfly can cause significant damage to juniper trees by feeding on the needles, often causing defoliation. Infestations can weaken the tree, making it more susceptible to other pests and diseases. Life history and Habits: The Juniper Sawfly has one generation per year. Adults emerge in the spring and deposit eggs on juniper tree needles. The eggs hatch and the larvae eat the tree’s hands, inflicting substantial damage. When the larvae reach maturity, they pupate and emerge as adults, restarting the life cycle. The Juniper Sawfly overwinters as a pupa in the soil. Control measures include pruning infested branches, using insecticidal soaps, or introducing natural predators such as parasitic wasps.