This sawfly is found from New Jersey to North Carolina. The insect prefers Virginia and shortleaf pines, but will occasionally feed on pitch and loblolly pines. Identifying the Insect. The adults have four membranous wings. Identifying the Injury.
Young larvae feed gregariously on the previous year's foliage.
They consume the outer portion of the needle, causing the remaining part to take on a strawlike appearance, which is characteristic of early sawfly feeding. Mature larvae consume the entire needle and may feed on the buds and tender bark. After mating, the female cuts a slit at the edge of the needle and inserts a small, white, oval egg. Feeding damage on terminal. Several eggs are usually laid at evenly spaced intervals in each needle.