Pear Slug Sawfly
About the Pear Slug Sawfly
Can live on plum, cherry, cotoneaster, pear, and mountain ash.
Larvae are slug-like, dark olive green, and covered with slime. Adult sawflies are black and yellow, stout-bodied, adn approximately 5 to 8 mm long.
Larvae overwinter in protected places in soil and pupate in the spring. Adult sawflies emerge in June and July, and females lay eggs in slits cut in leaves. Eggs hatch after a few days and larvae feed on foliage for 2 to 3 weeks. A second generation is common in late summer of the Central Great Plains with adults emerging during late July and August and peak larval feeding occurring in September.
Larvae feed almost entirely on the upper leaf surface, consuming tissue and avoiding the main veins. Heavily infested leaves appear scorched and may drop prematurely. Severe defoliation reduces plant vigor and is unsightly.
To Control
Spray leaves with carbaryl, malathion, diazinon, or other commonly available insecticides when damage first appears.