Diff: Sawfly Larvae

== Sawfly Larvae ==

== Sawfly Larvae ==

Rose sawfly larvae are often called rose slugs. They are not slugs and they are not caterpillars, even when they look caterpillar-like. This matters because some caterpillar products are not useful against sawflies.

Rose sawfly larvae are often called rose slugs. They are not slugs and they are not caterpillars, even when they look caterpillar-like. This matters because some caterpillar products are not useful against sawflies.

=== Signs ===

=== Signs ===

* Windowpane feeding where leaf surface is scraped but veins remain.

* Windowpane feeding where leaf surface is scraped but veins remain.

* Skeletonised leaves when feeding is heavier.

* Skeletonised leaves when feeding is heavier.

* Green larvae on leaf undersides, sometimes matching the leaf colour well.

* Green larvae on leaf undersides, sometimes matching the leaf colour well.

* Damage can appear suddenly in spring or early summer depending on species and region.

* Damage can appear suddenly in spring or early summer depending on species and region.

=== Look-alikes ===

=== Look-alikes ===

* Caterpillars can chew larger holes but are a different insect group.

* Caterpillars can chew larger holes but are a different insect group.

* Japanese beetles skeletonise leaves and flowers but adult beetles are visible during the day.

* Japanese beetles skeletonise leaves and flowers but adult beetles are visible during the day.

* Leaf-cutter bees remove neat rounded pieces from leaf edges and usually do not need control.

* Leaf-cutter bees remove neat rounded pieces from leaf edges and usually do not need control.

=== Controls ===

=== Controls ===

* Inspect undersides of leaves.

* Inspect undersides of leaves.

* Squish or handpick small numbers.

* Squish or handpick small numbers.

* Prune off a few badly damaged leaflets if it helps remove larvae.

* Prune off a few badly damaged leaflets if it helps remove larvae.

* A firm water spray can dislodge light infestations.

* A firm water spray can dislodge light infestations.

* Insecticidal soap or horticultural oil may help when it directly contacts larvae and the product is labelled for the use.

* Insecticidal soap or horticultural oil may help when it directly contacts larvae and the product is labelled for the use.

=== Direct treatment cautions ===

=== Direct treatment cautions ===

* Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki products target caterpillars and should not be expected to control sawfly larvae.

* Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki products target caterpillars and should not be expected to control sawfly larvae.

* Avoid unnecessary broad-spectrum sprays because they harm beneficial insects.

* Avoid unnecessary broad-spectrum sprays because they harm beneficial insects.

* Follow current local labels and UK/EU authorisations before any pesticide use.

* Follow current local labels and UK/EU authorisations before any pesticide use.

=== Sources ===

=== Sources ===

* [Clemson Extension: Rose Insects and Related Pests](https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/rose-insects-related-pests/)

* [Clemson Extension: Rose Insects and Related Pests](https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/rose-insects-related-pests/)

* [University of Minnesota Extension: Sawflies](https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/sawflies)

* [University of Minnesota Extension: Sawflies](https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/sawflies)

* [UC IPM: Rose pests and disorders](https://ipm.ucanr.edu/home-and-landscape/rose/)

* [UC IPM: Rose pests and disorders](https://ipm.ucanr.edu/home-and-landscape/rose/)

* [RHS: Rose problems FAQ](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/roses/frequently-asked-questions)

* [RHS: Rose problems FAQ](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/roses/frequently-asked-questions)

[[Category:Pests]]

[[Category:Pests]]

[[Category:Care]]

[[Category:Care]]