These groups of eggs are referred to as pods or rafts
What is a sawfly? Sawflies are a wasp-like creature. However, this photograph shows sawfly larvae, which is the worm-like stage of this animal. This is what a sawfly looks like after hatching from an egg, but before metamorphosis transforms this caterpillar-looking creature into a flying bug. Technically, the sawfly has four stages in its life. First it is an egg. Then the egg hatches and the sawfly develop into a larva. Then it develops into a pupa before making its final transformation into an adult sawfly. What is extremely interesting is that adult sawflies do not live long. They will typically live for around a week. However, their larval stage can last much longer. For some species the larval stage can last from months to years.
How do they get this name, sawfly? Female sawflies use their saw-like ovipositor to cut into stems, leaves, and other plant parts to lay their eggs. What is an ovipositor? An ovipositor is an organ that a female insect uses to lay her eggs. The organ can be used to precisely place the eggs on the surface of a plant or cut open and bury the eggs within a plant’s tissue. These groups of eggs are referred to as pods or rafts.
Sawflies can be found all over the world, including every continent except Antarctica! There are many species of sawfly (roughly 8,000). In fact, Wild Boyz Photography featured the dusky birch sawfly in 2024.
If you are looking for some help to identify what species of sawfly you are looking at, check out this helpful chart.
There are many species of sawfly (roughly 8,000)!
Both sawfly larvae and caterpillars have three pairs of thoracic legs
As you can see in the photo above, these sawfly larvae are often seen in large numbers eating leaves. In order to protect themselves from predators, some sawfly larvae can regurgitate an irritating liquid. This photo was taken in Pawtuckaway State Park in southern New Hampshire.
How can you tell the difference between a sawfly and a caterpillar? Look closely! The primary difference is in the amount of prolegs. Both sawfly larvae and caterpillars have three pairs of thoracic legs (legs near their head). Where you can differentiate caterpillars from sawfly larvae are in the middle section of legs called abdominal prolegs. Sawflies have six or more pairs while caterpillars have five or less pairs.
Did you know?
- Some bees and wasps have a modified ovipositor. This ovipositor stinger is used in defensive action.
- Adult sawflies will feed on nectar, honeydew, sap, and pollen.
- If you get too close to sawfly larvae and disturb them, they contort their body into a “S” shape.
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