Description:

Adults are small, bee-like insects about 1/5 inch (5 mm) long. Larvae are leaf-green in color, about 1/10 inch (2.5 mm) long upon hatching and about 5/8 inch (15 mm) long when fully grown.  The larvae can be distinguished from Lepidoptera (caterpillars) by the presence of six to eight pairs of abdominal prolegs. 

Damage:

Sawfly larvae generally feed on the underside of the foliage, chewing round, regular holes in the leaflet.  Feeding holes are very small at first but increase in size as larvae develop.  Damaged leaves often have a shot-like or lacy appearance. 

Seasonal History:

Adults emerge from the ground in April and deposit small pale-green eggs in the tissue of pecan leaflets.  The eggs hatch and small larvae start feeding on the undersides of the leaves.  Upon completing their development, larvae enter the soil to a depth of 1 to 3 inches where they construct earthen cocoons and spend the winter. 

When to Control:

Control is seldom necessary.  Sprays applied for control of other pecan pests normally suppress sawfly outbreaks.