Bristly Rose Slug: Appearance, Territory, Damage and Life Cycle

Latin Name: Cladius Difformis Leaf Chewers

Appearance: The bristly roseslug sawfly is a European native that accidentally made its way to North America. However, given its widespread distribution, it was most likely introduced decades ago.

Hosts Plants: Shrub Roses

Territory: Europe and North America

Damage Insect Cause: The damage caused by the sawfly begins in the spring and continues until the first frost. The true culprit must be identified in order to control and prevent further damage. Only the bristly roseslug necessitates management because it causes damage all year. Rose sawfly and bristly rose slug infestations can be removed by hand and placed in a soapy water container. A powerful water spray can swiftly expel sawfly larvae off rose plants, and they will be unable to climb back onto the bushes. Sawfly populations can be controlled with a range of contact insecticides containing diverse active components.

Life History and Habits: Rose slug larvae feed on the underside of rose leaves, resulting in skeletonized leaves and, eventually, notches or holes on the leaf edges. Bristly rose slug larvae eat on the undersides of rose leaves, making them seem skeletonized. The larvae, on the other hand, may eat wider holes than the rose slug.