conifer sawfly
Quick Summary
A conifer sawfly is a type of insect belonging to the superfamily Tenthredinoidea. These insects are characterized by their wasplike appearance, though they lack a constricted "waist." Their larvae are caterpillar-like and can be distinguished from other caterpillars by the presence of fleshy prolegs on all body segments following the three with true legs.1
Conifer sawflies specifically belong to the family Diprionidae and are medium-sized insects. They are notable as serious pests that feed on coniferous trees, particularly pine and spruce needles. These insects are common in North America, with the exception of the Midwest region.123
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