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Caterpillar #584715

Asked July 29, 2019, 11:18 PM EDT

Can anyone at the University identity this caterpillar I saw in Duluth?

St. Louis County Minnesota

Expert Response

Thanks for the question.  

Although it looks like a caterpillar, technically it is not. It will not develop into a butterfly or moth. Rather it will develop into a fly - the Elm Sawfly.  For whatever reason, we have been getting more than the usual number of reports of this insect for Minnesota.

See:

  http://bugeric.blogspot.com/2012/06/wasp-wednesday-elm-sawfly.html

Thanks for using this forum.
An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 30, 2019, 3:22 PM EDT
Wow! That is amazing!! It was feeding on foliage in the dunes at Park Point, in Duluth. Thank you 
The Question Asker Replied July 30, 2019, 4:09 PM EDT
Thanks for the response.  This larva also likes willows and willows are found on Park Point so my guess is that you were not too far from one or more willow trees.

Thanks for using this forum.
An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 30, 2019, 5:03 PM EDT

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