Dogwood Sawfly

The dogwood sawfly is found on ornamental and native dogwoods. Adults are rarely seen, but emerge from the pupal overwintering site in the spring to lay eggs on the underside of dogwood leaves. Over 100 eggs may be deposited on the underside of a single leaf (Philip and Mengersen 1989: 58). Upon hatching, the larvae feed on the leaf, leaving it skeletonized. They eat all but the midvein (Johnson and Lyon 1991: 126). After molting for a second time, the larvae become covered with a powdery material that mimics the appearance of bird droppings, and which can be easily rubbed off. This is thought to aid survival (Johnson and Lyon 1991: 126; Philip and Mengersen 1989: 58). The spotted coloration of the final instar is also believed to provide camouflage as the larvae crawls about the ground in search of an overwintering site. Once found, the larvae pass the winter in a prepupal state in cocoons made of rotted wood. If rooted wood on the ground cannot be found, they will seek wood fiberboard and siding used in houses. Woodpeckers are proficient at detecting their presence. Pupation occurs in the spring, with only one generation per year