Unknown Sawfly Skeletonizing Planted Smooth Alder - Ask Extension
Numerous, unknown sawfly larvae are skeletonizing planted Smooth Alder (Alnus serrulata) within a Howard County seep. Their patterns appear to somewha...
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Unknown Sawfly Skeletonizing Planted Smooth Alder #764553
Asked July 29, 2021, 9:51 AM EDT
Numerous, unknown sawfly larvae are skeletonizing planted Smooth Alder (Alnus serrulata) within a Howard County seep. Their patterns appear to somewhat resemble the Dusky Birch Sawfly, but less bold and with a red/orange head instead of black. I would to know what species these sawfly are and whether they are native to Maryland. Photos were taken ~3:00pm on 7/28/21; measurement not included but larvae appeared to be ~0.5 inch in length.
Howard County Maryland
Expert Response
Hi - We are looking into this sawfly in the Nematinae subfamily as a possibility. I have sent your photos to several of our entomologists to see if they can identify them for you.
Christa