| Re: Sawfly Caterpillars?
They are sawfly larvae although the leaf photographed is not a birch. There are several species which have larvae patterned as in the picture and which demonstrate the defensive behaviour shown. The only way to ensure a correct identification is to rear them to the adult stage. This may take 2-3 weeks or up to 10 months. The best way of rearing is to place a sample of the food plant with larvae in a container of dry, sharp sand. When the larvae have pupated remove the plant material and any faeces and leave in a cool environment. |