PEST
 
   NAME
     Callistemon Sawfly
     Pterygophorus sp P  
citrinus
   ORDER
     Hymenoptera
 
   FAMILY
     Pergidae

This pest is the larvae of a wasp. Larvae are shiny greenish brown in colour, with small white spots along the length of the tapering body, which ends in a spike “tail”. The insect is called a “sawfly” because of the sawing action of the female ovipositor. The larvae have chewing mouth parts; when disturbed, they bend back their bodies and exude a noxious liquid from their mouths. The larvae feed together and cluster in small groups during the day.
The larvae have more than 5 pairs of prolegs. The Adults do not sting.

Sawfly feeding in a group			Note the pointed abdomen

Life Cycle
This insect has a Holometabolous life cycle, i.e. it has a larval and a pupal stage
Eggs are laid in slits created in the plant tissue; larvae pupate in the ground.
There are many generations per year.

Distribution of the Pest
This Australian pest is most active during the warmer months and the larvae feed in groups. 

Damage Caused
Leaves are completely eaten by older larvae. Younger larvae initially skeletonise the leaves.

Susceptible Plants
Callistemon spp. mainly

Control

Cultural Control
Remove by hand; larger numbers may be shaken to the ground or pruned off the plant during the day.
Normally it is the first generation that is the main problem.

Biological Control
Native birds feed on the larvae, in the process knocking many to the ground, where they are eaten by predators. 

Chemical Control
Contact insecticides may be considered

Note
It is your responsibility by law to read & follow the directions on the label of any pesticide

Amendments by B. Sonsie Dip Hort Sc Burnley

Syn. name is Lophyrotoma species