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Pontania (= Euura) dolichura

Gall sawfly Pontania dolichura

Description

It causes striking, longitudinal dark red gall on willow leaves, up to 2 cm long and visible on both sides of the leaf, though more distinct on the upper side. The galled tissues are greenish. The galls are formed as a result of injections by the ovipositing female. It occurs on several willow species. Generally it is not very common. It can be more frequently found in lowland (up to 500 m above the sea level). The systematics of these species is quite complicated. The genus Pontania = Euura is divided into several species groups, with the "dolichura" group being one of them. From the above, it follows that when we refer to the species Pontania = Euura dolichura, we are actually talking about a species group, and it could therefore be any species from this group.

Symptom

Striking, longitudinal, "sausage-like" gall on willow leaves, up to 2 cm long and visible on both sides of the leaf, though more distinct on the upper side.

Tree Species: Willow

Part of a plant- attacked: Leaf / Needle

Pest significance: Less harmful

Pest Category: Insects

Invasive Species: No

Present in EU: Yes