Sawflies on Douglas fir - Balsam fir sawfly

Neodiprion scutellatus is a sawfly found on Douglas fir and listed in references such as Western Forest Insects. But some entomologists call the sawfly found locally on Douglas fir by another name, balsam fir sawfly (Neodiprion abietis complex).  The complex apparently has 5 strains separated by geography and host: 4 in the Eastern US (2 on balsam fir, 1 each on white and black spruce) and 1 in the West.  The host list for the Western strain includes: Pacific silver fir, subalpine fir, Engelmann spruce, Sitka spruce, and Douglas-fir. The sawfly larvae images at this website more closely resemble the Neodiprion abietis images pictured at the Symphya website. As most sawfly identification is based on adult specimens, only a successfully-reared adult will confirm the true identity of these particular sawflies.

Sawflies can defoliate plants if occurring in large numbers. Damage from this pest is usually localized and may not require control or spot applications only. There are many natural controls (weather, parasites, diseases) that usually keep these populations in check. Images of the sawfly and damage can be found below right side of page.

Web links:

Balsam fir sawfly, Nova Scotia Natural Resources

Symphyta photos: Neodiprion scutellatus

2005 Forest Health Highlights in Oregon - cover shot shows damage.

Feeding damage from Neodiprion sp. on Douglas fir

Photo: Rosetta

Close-up for feeding damage

Photo: Rosetta

Closeup of Neodiprion sp.

Photo: Rosetta

Page last modified 5/25/10