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Project Noah Nature School
Macremphytus tarsatus
Sawfly larvae are often mistaken for butterfly and moth caterpillars due to their shape and wonderful colors. However, they are a type of wasp. They have more sets of prolegs (back legs) than lepidoptera larvae. In this species, the larvae arecovered in a powdery, white, waxy coating (which they will moult off when getting ready to pupate, turning a pale green with black spots). Dark head, greenish body, without markings, yellow legs. Curls into a defensive posture when threatened (Picture 3). Several found on a small tree. Leaf from tree seen in Picture 6.
Devil's Hole State Park, Niagara Falls, New York. Forest bordering the Niagara River.
Spotted on Aug 30, 2013
Submitted on Feb 24, 2014
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