Neodiprion pratti
This record describes Neodiprion pratti (species). Recorded family: Diprionidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Newly hatched larvae are pale green with black head capsules and are about 3mm long. Full-grown larvae are spotted or marked with longitudinal black stripes. White-footed mice and ants destroy many cocoons in heavy infested areas. Dahlbominus fuscipennis , an introduced parasite of sawfly cocoons, has been found in infested stands in VA. A native polyhedrosis virus has destroyed up to 70% of sawfly larvae when applied from an airplane.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Family
- Diprionidae (Conifer Sawflies)
- Genus
- Neodiprion
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
NJ to MD to NC and westward to ILL
Seasonal Activity
Adults appear in Oct and Nov
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Virginia, pitch, jack, shortleaf, loblolly, and red pines.
Life History
Overwinter as eggs Eggs are laid individually within slits along the flat sides of needles, usually before the end of the Nov. Newly-hatched larvae feed gregariously in groups of 2-15 on previous year's needles, beginning about 1/2" below the tip. They consumer the outer portion of the needle, leaving the inner vascular tissue intact. The 3rd instar will consume entire needles except for the basal portion within the sheath. When full-grown they drop to the ground and spin cocoons in the surface litter or in the soil. Pupation occurs in Sept. One generation per year.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Neodiprion pratti. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Hymenoptera includes over 150,000 described species of ants, bees, wasps, and sawflies. Earth harbors approximately 20 quadrillion (20×10^15) ants, with a combined biomass of ~12 megatons of dry carbon - exceeding the combined biomass of all wild birds and mammals (PNAS, 2022).
Ecological role of the group
About 35% of the world's food crops depend on animal pollinators. The chocolate industry, valued at over $100 billion, depends on pollinating flies and midges. Ants are the dominant soil engineers in most terrestrial ecosystems, turning more soil than earthworms in many habitats.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Pollinators contribute $235-577 billion worth of annual global food production (FAO). In the U.S., bee pollination alone benefits crops valued at $18 billion annually, and honey bees are responsible for $5.4 billion in agricultural productivity. Between April 2023-2024, 55.1% of managed honey bee colonies were lost. The U.S. bee population dropped from 5 million to 2.5 million.
Recorded sources for this group: FAO, USDA, EPA, PNAS (2022), US Fish & Wildlife Service. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Neodiprion pratti (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Charley Eiseman; Additional contributions by Marci Hess
Frequently Asked Questions About Neodiprion pratti
What is Neodiprion pratti?
Neodiprion pratti is a species in the family Diprionidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Neodiprion pratti?
Full-grown larvae at 16-23mm long
How do you identify Neodiprion pratti?
Newly hatched larvae are pale green with black head capsules and are about 3mm long. Full-grown larvae are spotted or marked with longitudinal black stripes.
Where is Neodiprion pratti found?
Range: NJ to MD to NC and westward to ILL
What does Neodiprion pratti eat?
The diet of the Neodiprion pratti includes Virginia, pitch, jack, shortleaf, loblolly, and red pines..
When is Neodiprion pratti active?
Neodiprion pratti: seasonal activity - Adults appear in Oct and Nov.
What is the life cycle of a Neodiprion pratti?
Overwinter as eggs Eggs are laid individually within slits along the flat sides of needles, usually before the end of the Nov. Newly-hatched larvae feed gregariously in groups of 2-15 on previous year's needles, beginning about 1/2" below the tip. They consumer the outer portion of the needle, leaving the inner vascular tissue intact. The 3rd instar will consume entire needles except for the basal portion within the sheath. When full-grown they drop to the ground and spin cocoons in the surface litter or in the soil. Pupation occurs in Sept. One generation per year.