Any idea what these critters might be on this P. mugo 'Big Tuna'? Are they harmful or should I let them be? There doesn't seem to be any damage to needles at this juncture.
What's eating my Tuna?
Can't see for sure on the pic, but they're probably sawflies. If you look closely today, you should see some needles eaten down to the the sheath. And if you look closely tomorrow, you might not even see your Tuma at all!
Nail them. But don't expect Bt to work, because they aren't true (Lepidopteran) caterpillars. Try something like Malathion or Sevin.
Guy S.
I'd better get on it--Thanks!
They look like red-headed pine sawfly, Neodiprion lecontei, according to this link.
You may not want to bother to treat for them, if you read the control measures under the heading Management, it says in part: "Treatments should be attempted only if sawflies are 1/2 full-grown size or less. If sawflies are full grown, treatment is not necessary since they are finishing or have finished feeding; most damage to the plant has already taken place by this time."
Grrr.
http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/DG6703.html
I'd agree with PrairieGirl, don't spray them. Just get a brush and knock them off, or put on an old glove and squish 'em all.
Resin
Yeah, that works too, if you only have a few trees with them. But get them outa there pronto because they do the most damage in that final stage before they are full sized. I used to grow Christmas trees and I had to spray hundreds of them. They don't stop eating when they are half grown -- howdaya think they keep growing?
Guy S.
Good point!
Good call, Grrr. Its the first time I've seen this pests and hopefully I can stay on top of this. I've planted several small pines in a fairly concentrated area and I'm wondering if this might have something to do with their arrival. Thanks everybody.
Post a Reply to this Thread
More Trees, Shrubs and Conifers Threads
-
Overwintering Southern Gem Magnolias
started by genevarose
last post by genevaroseJul 11, 20251Jul 11, 2025 -
Sassafras (Male, I think) and suckers
started by MrMoundshroud
last post by MrMoundshroudAug 14, 20250Aug 14, 2025 -
What keeps pulling out my seedlings
started by Nutplanter
last post by NutplanterSep 06, 20251Sep 06, 2025 -
Starting Pine Trees for Christmas 2026
started by ScotsPineChristmas
last post by ScotsPineChristmasOct 17, 20250Oct 17, 2025 -
Where to find / buy Araucaria laubenfelsii?
started by phoenixjtn
last post by phoenixjtnJan 21, 20262Jan 21, 2026