Small gooseberry sawfly

Pristiphora appendiculata

Description

Pristiphora appendiculata (Hartig, 1837), commonly known as the small gooseberry sawfly, is a significant pest of currants and gooseberries. The larvae feed on various Ribes species, including mountain currant (Ribes alpinum), redcurrant (Ribes rubrum), gooseberry (Ribes uva-crispa), and flowering currant (Ribes sanguineum). Adult females lay eggs on the leaves of these host plants, and the larvae, which are green and caterpillar-like, feed voraciously on the foliage. This species is multivoltine, meaning it has several generations per year, with adults flying from April to October. The sawfly is widespread across Europe and is a common pest in gardens and commercial berry crops. Males are rare, and reproduction is primarily parthenogenetic.

Symptom

Infestations by Pristiphora appendiculata result in severe defoliation of currant and gooseberry plants, with larvae rapidly skeletonizing the leaves, leaving only the veins intact.

Tree Species: Gooseberries, Currant

Part of a plant- attacked: Leaf / Needle

Pest significance: Harmful

Pest Category: Insects

Invasive Species: No

Present in EU: Yes