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European Sawflies (Diprionidae & Tenthredinidae)
European sawflies are related to wasps but resemble caterpillars in their larval stage, feeding in groups on the needles and leaves of conifers and ornamental shrubs including pine, spruce, and rose. They can rapidly defoliate branches, leaving behind brown, dead needles that persist on the tree. Early detection is key, as small larvae are far easier to control than mature ones. Targeted insecticide applications or manual removal of larval clusters during the early feeding stage effectively protects ornamental plants.