Imported Currantworm – Currant Sawfly – Nematus ribesii

Currant Sawfly- Nematus ribesii Common Name: Currant Sawfly Latin Name: Nematus ribesii Appearance: The Currant Sawfly is a small black and yellow insect, about 5-7 mm long, with two pairs of transparent wings. Egg: The eggs of the Currant Sawfly are small and oval-shaped and are laid in clusters on the undersides of the leaves. Pupa: The Currant Sawfly pupae are brown and found in the soil, leaf litter, or other protected places. Larva: The larvae of the Currant Sawfly are green, worm-like, and have black spots. They feed on the leaves of host plants, including currants, gooseberries, and jostaberries. Adults: The adults of the Currant Sawfly are small, black, and yellow insects with two pairs of transparent wings. Host plant: The Currant Sawfly feeds on the leaves of currants, gooseberries, and jostaberries. Territory: The Currant Sawfly is found in Europe, Asia, and North America. Damages caused by Currant Sawfly: The Currant Sawfly’s larvae feed on their host plants’ leaves, causing substantial damage, frequently leading to complete defoliation. If the defoliation is severe enough, the plant will die. Life history and Habits: The Currant Sawfly lays its eggs on the undersides of leaves, and the larvae emerge and begin feeding on the leaves. They provide for about 4-5 weeks before dropping to the ground to pupate. There are usually two generations per year, with the first appearing in late spring or early summer and the second in late summer or early fall. The Currant Sawfly can be controlled with insecticides or by handpicking and destroying the larvae. Cultivating the soil in the fall can also help to destroy overwintering pupae.