Description

Body length 7 to 10mm. The adult sawflies are generally buffish with variable dark markings on the dorsal surfaces. The males have feathered antennae. There has recently been an colonisation by a very similar species (Introduced Pine Sawfly - Diprion similis) which can only be reliably separated by microscopic examination in the adults. Fortunately the larvae are easily identified as those of D. pini are generally pale with a row of black spots (although there is a dark form with a dark dorsal surface) and those of D. similis are dark with yellow markings.

Habitat

Pine trees, where the larvae can be quite damaging as they eat the needles.

Status and distribution

Widespread throughout most of Britain, but not often recorded. Rarely recorded in Nottinghamshire and recorded once at Netherfield Lagoons - although we only have two infant pine trees.

Best time to see

May to August.