Azalea Sawflies – Amauronematus azalea – Nematus lipvkyi

Azalea Sawflies   Scientific Name: Amauronematus azalea Common Name:  Azalea sawflies, Amauronematus azalea Appearance:  Azalea sawflies are small black fly-like insects almost 19mm in size. The larvae are green and closely resemble a caterpillar which helps them camouflage in the green azalea shrubs. Host Plants or Food: Azalea sawflies exclusively feed on the azalea plants, destroying the foliage in the process. The green color makes it difficult to notice any infestation until it is too late and the leaves start to skeletonize. Territory: Throughout North America Mode of Damage: They start chewing on the leaves from the tips and reach the midrib to only leave behind the veins. Habits and Life History: Azalea sawflies are usually present in green landscapes since they only feed on green azalea shrubs. The females lay eggs on the edge of the foliage, and the larva makes its way to the midrib by chewing on the leaves. The larvae turn into pupae in cocoons during the winter season. However, the larval stage is more common than in adult moths. The adults invade the fields in groups during the daytime and completely destroy the foliage, leaving only the veins. These sawflies only produce one generation per year.