American honeysuckle sawfly

The American honeysuckle sawfly (Zaraea americana) is a member of the Cimbicidae family within the order Hymenoptera. It is a specialized pest known primarily for its impact on honeysuckle plants, often causing significant aesthetic and physiological damage to infested host specimens.

The primary host plants for this species are various types of honeysuckle (Lonicera). While they are most commonly found on these shrubs, their ability to proliferate can make them a nuisance for nursery operators and homeowners who cultivate honeysuckle for decorative or edible purposes.

The life cycle of Zaraea americana typically features one or two generations per year. Adults emerge in the spring, and females use their ovipositors to insert eggs into the leaf tissue. Larvae, which resemble caterpillars, hatch and undergo several larval stages, feeding aggressively on the foliage before reaching maturity.

The damage caused by these insects is characterized by defoliation. Early-stage larvae skeletonize leaves, while later stages consume entire leaf blades, leaving only the primary veins. Severe infestations can result in total defoliation, which causes significant stress to the plant and may lead to reduced growth and poor fruit production.

Management and control strategies for the American honeysuckle sawfly include:

• Visual inspection of foliage for eggs or small larvae starting in late spring.
• Hand-picking and manual removal of larvae for smaller host plants.
• Use of microbial insecticides such as Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) for effective biological control.
• Soil cultivation around the base of the bushes in autumn to disrupt pupal overwintering sites.
• Application of chemical insecticides only when populations exceed economic injury levels.