Dogwood sawflies

The larvae feed on the leaves of several species of dogwood. Early stage (instar) larvae feed on the tissue between the veins, skeletonizing the leaf. Later instars feed on the entire leaf, leaving only the tough midrib. A heavy infestation can completely defoliate a branch or even an entire small shrub.

In the fall the final instar larvae bore into dead wood on the ground to overwinter. They can also bore into man-made structures, including redwood siding and outdoor furniture.

Dogwood sawflies are most often encountered in the larval stage. The newly hatched larva is translucent yellow. After molting a second time it is covered with a powdery, white, waxy coating. When at rest and not feeding, it curls into a tight spiral, giving it the appearance of a bird dropping. The final instar lacks the waxy coating. The body is yellow with black markings on each abdominal segment.

Adults are wasp-like in appearance but the abdomen is broadly joined to the thorax. The antennae have nine segments. The first five segments are dark and the last four segments are white.

Macremphytus sawfly caterpillar resting on a branch (part 1)
Insects and Animals

Macremphytus sawfly caterpillar on the move (part 2)
Insects and Animals