About Neodiprion sertifer (Geoffroy, 1785)
Neodiprion sertifer, commonly known as the European pine sawfly or redheaded pine sawfly, is a species of sawfly belonging to the genus Neodiprion. This species is native to Europe, and was accidentally introduced to North America in 1925, where it has become an established commercial pest. The larvae of the fly Exhyalanthrax afer feed on the cocoons of Neodiprion sertifer.
The European pine sawfly typically hatches between early April and late May. Its larvae feed on mature pine needles. Once the larvae reach maturity, they spin cocoons. In the fall, adult sawflies that resemble wasps emerge from their cocoons and mate. Females lay eggs for the next generation in pine trees during September and October. The tree species most preferred by European pine sawflies are Scots pine, red pine, Jack pine, and Japanese pines.
