Raspberry Sawfly – Monophadnoides geniculatus

Raspberry Sawfly (Monophadnoides geniculatus) Common Name: Raspberry Sawfly Latin Name: Monophadnoides geniculatus Appearance: The Raspberry Sawfly is a small, flying insect belonging to the order Hymenoptera. Adults typically have a black body with clear wings and can resemble small wasps. The larvae, which are the damaging stage, have a greenish-yellow color with a series of black spots and may have a somewhat caterpillar-like appearance. Host Plants: The larvae of the Raspberry Sawfly feed on raspberry and blackberry plants, as well as other related brambles. They can skeletonize the leaves by consuming the soft tissue between the veins. Territory: Raspberry Sawflies are found in various regions where raspberries and blackberries are cultivated, which includes parts of North America and Europe. Damages caused by Raspberry Sawfly: The larvae of the Raspberry Sawfly can cause damage to raspberry plants by feeding on the leaves. Their feeding behavior, often referred to as skeletonization, involves eating the soft tissue of the leaves while leaving the veins intact. In high numbers, these larvae can lead to defoliation and impact the overall health and productivity of raspberry plants.

• Life History and Habits:
• Eggs:Female Raspberry Sawflies lay eggs on the undersides of raspberry leaves during the spring.
• Larvae:The eggs hatch into larvae, which feed on the leaves and go through several molts as they grow. The larvae are the damaging stage and cause the most harm to the host plants.
• Pupa:When fully grown, the larvae pupate in the soil.
• Adult: After pupation, adult Raspberry Sawflies emerge, and the cycle continues. The adult stage is relatively short-lived, and the focus is primarily on reproduction.