Article: ASH SAWFLY'S CALLING CARD IS SMALL HOLES IN LEAVES.(Spotlight on Home and Gardening)

Question: My green ash tree's leaves have lots of small holes in them, almost like pinholes. What is causing this, and will it harm the tree?

Answer: You're seeing the effects of the brownheaded ash sawfly, a wasp-like insect. Eggs hatch in May and the larvae, which look like small, greenish-brown worms, feed on the foliage, producing a ``shothole'' effect. As they enlarge to about a half-inch long, they feed on the entire leaf, often leaving only the veins.

This level of leaf feeding imposes severe stress on the tree, as its photosynthetic capabilities have been drastically reduced. Previously not found in our area, this insect has become a major pest ...

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