Plum Webspinning Sawfly – Neurotoma inconspicua
Plum Webspinning Sawfly : Neurotoma inconspicua
Common Name: Plum Webspinning Sawfly
Latin Name: Neurotoma inconspicua
Appearance:
The adult Plum Webspinning Sawfly is a flying insect with a slender body, typically measuring around 8-10 mm in length. It has two pairs of membranous wings, which are transparent or lightly tinted. The abdomen is elongated, and the overall body colouration may vary, but it often features a combination of black, yellow, and brown markings.
Host Plants:
The larvae of the Plum Webspinning Sawfly consume an assortment of fruit tree species that fall under the genus Prunus. This includes Prunus avium and Prunus cerasus, or plums (Prunus domestica), as well as other species that are closely related.
Territory:
The Plum Webspinning Sawfly is a widespread insect species found explicitly in regions of North America that are cultivated with plum and cherry trees as host plants.
Damages caused by Plum Webspinning Sawfly:
The Plum Webspinning Sawfly larval stage is responsible for host plant damage. Larvae wrap silk webbing around the leaves and devour the foliage, producing a distinctive pile of webbed leaves. Defoliation can result from this behaviour, which, if severe, damages the host plant and impacts its general health and fruit production.
Life History and Habits:
- Egg Stage:The adult female sawfly lays eggs on the leaves of host plants. These eggs are frequently deposited in groups.
- Larval Stage:When the larvae hatch, they feed on the leaves and build protective silk webs around themselves. As they eat and develop, they remain within these webs.
- Pupal Stage:The larvae pupate within their silk enclosures when the larval stage is complete. Within these protective structures, the pupal stage occurs.
- Adult Stage:Adult Sawflies emerge from their pupal casings once they have fully evolved. Adult sawflies have wings and can fly. They may consume floral nectar.