WILLOW SAWFLY
Nematus ventralis
(Tenthredinidae)
This sawfly larva has more than 5 prolegs, which distinguishes it from butterfly and moth larvae. It is black with yellow spots running along its sides. It feeds in groups on willows, and strikes the pose shown in the image when disturbed. The larva is about an inch long; the adult (not shown) seems to mimic stinging wasps.
Occurrence
The abundance of this sawfly is not yet known. But its host plants, the willows are certainly present at both nature centers.
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