Unidentified Larvae on Pear Tree

[hawkmoth]

Hi folks, today I found these lovely larvae on my pear tree, munching the leaves...





Can anyone help identify what they are please?

Thanks
Hawkmoth

[haematocephalus]

I think these are larvae of the sawfly Neurotoma saltuum - as far as I know this is one of the few sawflies that have larvae in such obvious webs, and pear is one of several fodplants for it.

Doesn't seem to be very common, I've only encountered it a couple of times.

Martin


Martin Harvey

[hawkmoth]

Hi Martin

Thanks for your swift reply! Much appreciated. Having just done a bit more searching online with your scientific name it looks like you have hit the nail on the head!

Any ideas what we should do about them?!? Obviously we are going to have to remove them somehow, as the pears may not taste too good if they continue!

So if there are any gardeners amongst you, maybe you have some advice?

Thanks
HM

[haematocephalus]

They may eat some leaves, but won't damage the fruit as far as I know (although by eating leaves I suppose they'll be weakening the tree somewhat). If you want to move them they should be happy on Hawthorn if you can find a suitable bush or hedge that could stand the loss of some foliage!

Martin