Notes on Leconte's Sawfly

Abstract

Leconte's sawfly or the red-headed pine sawfly (Neodiprion lecontei Fitch) is a common insect attacking pines in Ontario. Plantations red pine are almost invariably attacked from the time the trees have reached two to four feet in height. Periodically epidemic populations cause significant damage. The life history and habits of the species have heen described by Middleton (2) who states that this insect attacks practically all species of pine as bell as larch. Schaffner (3) also indicates that the larvae feed on a wide variety of pine and occasionally on other conifers. Red pine (Pinus resinosa Ait.) is undoubtedly the usual host, although in Ontario jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) is sometimes attacked. In 1946 evidence was secured to show that jack pine needles may be selected for oviposition even in an area where red pine foliage is plentiful. (Figure 1).