Diprionidae
Pronunciation: [Dip·ree·ON·i·dee]
Common Name: Conifer Sawflies
Description: Conifer sawflies are actually “broad-waisted” wasps. Females are equipped with a saw-toothed ovipositor that allows them to cut slits in conifer needles where eggs are laid (hence the name “sawfly”). Adults have distinctive antennae with 13 or more segments (serrate in females and pectinate in males). Larvae resemble lepidopteran caterpillars but have more than five pairs of abdominal prolegs. They usually feed gregariously and are capable of defoliating an entire branch within a few days.
Spot ID Key Characters:
- Antennae saw-toothed or serrate with 13 or more segments
- Tibia of front leg with two apical spurs
- Front wing with only one marginal cell
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Order: Hymenoptera
