Spiny Ash Sawfly

Appearance

Diagnostic characteristics (adults):
Forewing veins M and 1m-cu parallel
Intersection of M and Rs+M meeting or slightly basal to intersection of Rs+M and Sc+R
Prepectus absent
Forewing veins 2A and 3A incomplete and curved at apex
Pulvilli on the first and second tarsomeres well-developed
Third antennal segment length markedly longer than fourth, about 1.5X length of fourth segment
Hind wing cell M present
Forewing veins M meeting Rs+M before meeting Sc+R
Tarsal claw simple
Pedicel slightly wider than long
Inner edges of antennal sockets not raised or only slightly raised, as seen from above
Mesepisternum surface smooth and shining
Mesoscutum smooth; not pitted
Post-ocular furrow present and deep and punctured

Distribution

Eupareophora parca occurs in two ranges, in the eastern United States and southeastern Canada, from New Brunswick west to Saskatchewan and Texas, and in coastal California and Oregon.

Reproduction

Eupareophora parca is commonly known as the “spiny ash sawfly” and is documented as a pest on ash trees. Large infestations have resulted in noticeable defoliation in urban areas. Females oviposit into the underside of leaflets near the midrib. Larvae are light green and in a late instar have colorful fleshy spines. The mature larvae fall to the ground and overwinter in cells in the soil.

Food

In North America, Eupareophora feeds on Fraxinus americana (white ash), Fraxinus nigra (black ash), Fraxinus oregona (Oregon ash), Fraxinus pensylvanicus (green ash), Carya illinoensis (pecan) and Chionanthus (fringe tree).