The European Pine Sawfly (Neodiprion sertifer) is an insect in the Diprionidae family of sawflies. It is also known as the Red Pine Sawfly.

The European Pine Sawfly male is deep black with black feathered antennae. The female has a reddish thorax and black abdomen, with simple antennae.

It grows to one centimetre (a third of an inch) in length. 

It is native to Europe. It lives in pine and conifer forests. It is seen from July to October.

The female European Pine Sawfly lays eggs in a line on pine tree needles (leaves) with her ovipositor (at the end of her abdomen). The eggs hatch into larvae (grubs), like caterpilars. The larvae feed on pine needles. They then spin into cocoons and emerge as adult sawflies. This is called metamorphosis.  

Location of photographs: Paris, France

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM