Hackberry Leaf Slug – Norape ovina

Hackberry Leaf Slug – Norape ovina Common Name: Hackberry Leaf Slug Latin Name: Norape ovina Appearance: The Hackberry Leaf Slug is a small, slug-like creature with a yellow-green or light brown body and a black head. It has two pairs of legs and can reach up to 1/4 inch in length.

• Eggs:The eggs of the Hackberry Leaf Slug are laid in clusters on the undersides of hackberry leaves and are small, round, and yellow. Pupae: The Hackberry Leaf Slug does not have a pupal stage.
• Larvae:The larvae of the Hackberry Leaf Slug are in the primary feeding stage and feed on the underside of hackberry leaves, leaving behind translucent patches.
• Adults: The Hackberry Leaf Slug does not have a true adult stage as it reproduces through parthenogenesis. Host plants: The Hackberry Leaf Slug feeds exclusively on hackberry trees.

Territory: The Hackberry Leaf Slug is found throughout the eastern United States wherever hackberry trees are present. Damages caused by Hackberry Leaf Slug: The Hackberry Leaf Slug can cause significant defoliation of hackberry trees, leading to reduced growth and vigour. Life history and habitat: The Hackberry Leaf Slug is a sawfly that reproduces through parthenogenesis, meaning that the females can produce offspring without mating. Eggs are laid in clusters on the undersides of hackberry leaves, and the larvae hatch and begin feeding on the bottom of the leaves, leaving behind translucent patches. The larvae go through several moults before dropping to the ground to pupate. There is no true pupal stage, and the larvae emerge as adults. The Hackberry Leaf Slug is found throughout the eastern United States wherever hackberry trees are present. It can cause significant defoliation of its host plant, leading to reduced growth and vigour.