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Pristiphora laricis

Small larch sawfly

Description

The pest overwinters in a cocoon in the liter and swarms in the spring. The adult - about 10 - 12 mm in size - fly in large numbers low above the ground, and aften sit on a vegetation, where they mate. The females then lay relatively large green eggs on needles. After a week, the caterpillars hatch from them. These can damage the needles. They leave their remains attached to the twigs. They pupate in late June and early July. The overwintering stages iin the soil are a favorite food of some wild animals. It outbreaks relatively rarely and locally. When outbreaks, complete defoliation can occur, which can have serious consequences for the health status of the stands.

Symptom

Damaged, or completely missing needles.

Tree Species: Larch

Part of a plant- attacked: Leaf / Needle

Pest significance: Harmful

Pest Category: Insects

Invasive Species: No

Present in EU: Yes