Conifer Sawflies

Family Diprionidae

Diprion polytonum. Photo:Stephanie Boucher

The larvae feed on conifers, sometimes killing softwood trees. They are considered major pests because of these destructive larvae. These are medium sized, stout-bodied sawflies with 13 or more antennal segments. The antennae are comb-like in males and saw-like in females. Unlike many Hymenoptera, the abdomen is broadly joined to the thorax.