The large rose sawfly ( Arge ochropus) is a member of the family Argidae. Native to Eurasia, this garden pest has been introduced to eastern Canada and the northeastern United States. To the untrained eye, the insect can look like a fly from certain angles, but it is actually a wasp relative.
So, what do rose sawflies do to Roses?
One way to think about this is it is not the adult rose sawfly, itself that causes damage to rose bushes but rather its larvae, which are called “rose slugs” (even though these caterpillar-like creatures are not really slugs ). In fact, while the larvae eat rose bush leaves, the adults feed on the nectar and pollen of entirely different plants.
To the untrained eye, the insect can look like a fly from certain angles, but it is actually a wasp relative. It is not the adult rose sawfly, itself that causes damage to rose bushes but rather its larvae, which are called “rose slugs” (even though these caterpillar-like creatures are not really slugs ).
Another way to minimize the likelihood of an infestation of rose sawflies (short of not growing rose bushes at all) is to take away the food source of the adults.
When rose bush pruning guide?
Major pruning should be done in early spring. For all roses, start by removing any dead or damaged canes (any that look brown). For specimens that require a hard pruning, cut back a third to a half of the previous year’s growth until you find healthy, white centers inside the cane.
How to prune Roses in 8 Simple Steps?
Remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches at any time of year. When planting your roses, shape them and leave them until they mature in two or three yearsAlways cut at a 45° angle above the outside bud with sterilized, sharp bypass pruners, and more items.