Arborvitae Sawfly – Neodiprion pratti

Arborvitae Sawfly- Neodiprion pratti Common Name: Arborvitae Sawfly  Latin Name: Neodiprion pratti Appearance: The Arborvitae Sawfly is a flying insect resembling a wasp. It has a black head, thorax, and yellowish-green abdomen with black markings. Adults are approximately 6-8 mm long.

• Egg:The female Arborvitae Sawfly lays her eggs in slits she cuts into the needles of arborvitae trees.
• Pupae:The Arborvitae Sawfly pupa is encased in a cocoon made of silk.
• Larva:The Arborvitae Sawfly larvae are caterpillar-like, with green bodies and blackheads. They have several pairs of legs and can grow up to 25 mm long.
• Adults:Adult Arborvitae Sawflies are short-lived and do not feed. They are primarily responsible for mating and laying eggs.

Host plants: The Arborvitae Sawfly feeds exclusively on arborvitae trees. Territory: The Arborvitae Sawfly is found throughout the United States and Canada. Damages caused by Arborvitae Sawfly: The larvae of the Arborvitae Sawfly can cause significant damage to arborvitae 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 Arborvitae Sawfly has one generation per year. Once fully grown, the larvae pupate and emerge as adults, starting the life cycle over again. The Arborvitae 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.