European Apple Sawfly

The adult sawfly is 6-8 mm long. The female is slightly larger than the male. The head, antenna and lower body surface are light orange to yellow; the upper body is dark brown and shiny. The larva measures about 1.7 mm in length at hatch and is light cream colored with a black head. Mature larva are 9-11 mm long and their head and shield have become pale brown in color.

European apple sawfly overwinter as a mature larva in an earthen cell a few centimeters below the surface of the soil. The larva pupates in the spring and adults emerge during the pink stage of apples. The female European apple sawfly lays its eggs just after the king flower opens. Eggs are deposited singly at the calyx end of the flower, often at the base of or between the stamens.

Surround WP can be used after 90% of petal drop.

Photo credits: L.P. Berkett; Integrated Managment of Apple Pests in Massachusetts and New England, Coop. Ext. Sys., University of Mass. 1984.

For control products and more information please see our Borer Control page.