Macremphytus tarsatus
Pest description and damage Dogwood sawfly is a recent introduction to the Pacific Northwest. They are found feeding on red osier dogwood (Cornus sericea). Eggs are small bumps under the epidermis of leaves. Newly hatched larvae are yellow green. The next instar is covered with a white waxy material that is shed with the final molt. Third instar larvae are yellowish green with rows of bold square dark spots along the body. Mature larvae are about 1 inch in length. Entire large red osier dogwoods are defoliated by summer's end. Larvae cause further damage when they burrow into wood-including nearby siding on buildings-to pupate. The adult is a black wasp about 0.8 inch long with white markings and antennal tips.
Biology and life history Eggs hatch from the underside of the leaf and small larvae cluster together to begin feeding in July. Larger instars begin to defoliate trees in late summer, often in late August. Larvae pupate in rotting wood, house siding or soil in fall and emerge in late spring to lay eggs.
Pest monitoring Newly hatched larvae congregate in clusters in leaves at the tops of trees. From below, the clusters of larvae are visible as sunlight penetrates the thin leaves, revealing dark clumps.
Management-cultural control
Prune out infested branch tips at the tops of trees when larvae are noticed.
Management-biological control
It is likely that native predators and parasitoids will find this food source.
Management-chemical control
See Table 2 in:
Chemical Control of Landscape Pests
For more information
See "Sawfly" in: