Wheat Stem Sawfly vs Gooseberry Sawfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Wheat Stem Sawfly Gooseberry Sawfly
Scientific Name Cephus cinctus Nematus ribesii
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Cephidae Tenthredinidae
Size 8-13 mm (adult) 6-8 mm (adult)
Habitat Deserts & Drylands Orchards
Diet Omnivores Herbivores
Regions North America Europe, North America
Conservation Not Evaluated Not Evaluated

Wheat Stem Sawfly

A major pest of wheat and barley on the northern Great Plains of North America. Larvae bore inside stems, weakening them and causing lodging.

💡

Did You Know?

Larvae girdle the stem base before pupating, causing the stem to fall over at harvest.

Gooseberry Sawfly

The most destructive insect pest of gooseberry and red currant bushes in Europe. Larvae can strip bushes completely of leaves within days.

💡

Did You Know?

Three generations per year mean larvae can be found feeding from spring through autumn.