Larch Sawfly
Pristiphora erichsonii
This record describes Pristiphora erichsonii (species). Recorded family: Tenthredinidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Earliest record in our area: 1880[cite:] Repeated defoliations make trees susceptible to deadly attacks by Dendroctonus simplex Overwintering coccoons are destroyed by small mammals, especially shrews and voles. Two parasites have been imported: an ichenumon, Mesoleius tenthredinis and a tachinid Bessa harveyi . Mesoleius tenthredinis was originally effected but then the sawfly developed an immunity to it in Canada, MN, and WI. Bessa harveyi
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Family
- Tenthredinidae (Common Sawflies)
- Subfamily
- Nematinae
- Tribe
- Nematini
- Genus
- Pristiphora
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
native to the Palaearctic, adventive and widespread in NA (transcontinental in the north, south to NC in the east)
Seasonal Activity
Eggs laid in incisions on twigs in late May-Jun
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae feed on Larch ( Larix )
Life History
Larvae overwinter in cocoons on ground Eggs are laid in rows under the bark of current terminal, lateral twigs. Hatching occurs in about 8 days and the larvae move to the foliage of older twigs where they feed in groups. Feeding is complete in 20 days and the mature larvae drop to the ground, enter the duff, and spin tough, papery brown cocoons. One generation per year with an occasional 2nd generation. A small number of larvae enter diapause and require 2 years to complete one generation.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Pristiphora erichsonii (Hartig)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Pristiphora erichsonii. 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 Larch Sawfly (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Ken Wolgemuth; Additional contributions by v belov , Marci Hess
Frequently Asked Questions About Larch Sawfly
What is Larch Sawfly?
Larch Sawfly (Pristiphora erichsonii) is a species in the family Tenthredinidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
Where is Larch Sawfly found?
Range: native to the Palaearctic, adventive and widespread in NA (transcontinental in the north, south to NC in the east)
What does Larch Sawfly eat?
The diet of the Larch Sawfly includes Larvae feed on Larch ( Larix ).
When is Larch Sawfly active?
Larch Sawfly: seasonal activity - Eggs laid in incisions on twigs in late May-Jun.
What is the life cycle of a Larch Sawfly?
Larvae overwinter in cocoons on ground Eggs are laid in rows under the bark of current terminal, lateral twigs. Hatching occurs in about 8 days and the larvae move to the foliage of older twigs where they feed in groups. Feeding is complete in 20 days and the mature larvae drop to the ground, enter the duff, and spin tough, papery brown cocoons. One generation per year with an occasional 2nd generation. A small number of larvae enter diapause and require 2 years to complete one generation.