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Dogwood Sawfly (Larvae)

Macremphytus tarsatus

Description:

A small, white caterpillar-like larvae with a white powdery substance, a black head and a yellow underside. The Dogwood Sawfly larvae has 3 different instars and it takes various forms during the larval stage, eating progressively more and more leaves. It is considered a pest by many because of it's often destructive effect on host plants.

Habitat:

Host plants are those in the Dogwood family (Cornus). They are often found on the undersides of leaves in groups. Damage can be easily spotted when there are a significant number of them.

Notes:

I spotted this little larvae on a small shrub near the ground. It didn't move much at all while I was photographing it. The white, chalky substance indicates this larvae is it it's second instar. From the photo I took with the larvae facing down, the damage to the leaf is easily seen.

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eelhsamarie
Spotted by
eelhsamarie

Dryden, Ontario, Canada

Spotted on Aug 26, 2013
Submitted on Aug 28, 2013

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