Coiled Caterpillar Mass - Ask Extension
Can you identify the caterpillars in this coiled mass found on September 1, 2025?
Knowledgebase
Coiled Caterpillar Mass #923151
Asked December 28, 2025, 10:02 AM EST
Can you identify the caterpillars in this coiled mass found on September 1, 2025?
Medina County Ohio
Expert Response
Hello and Happy New Year!
Lovely photo. These are wasp larva known as sawflies. Specifically, these are mature dogwood sawflies: https://bugguide.net/node/view/1172479/bgimage
They have different appearances throughout their lives, and these appear to be later in their development. Here is more information on them. https://bygl.osu.edu/node/1354
They usually do not require management unless they are on a valuable dogwood in the landscape. They are eaten by many insects and birds. If treatment is necessary the big thing to know is that these are not true caterpillars (of moths and butterflies) and therefore do not respond to traditional BT (Bacillus thuringiensis) insecticide products. You would look for a product effective against wasp and wasp larva.
Feel free to let us know if you have any other questions.
Lovely photo. These are wasp larva known as sawflies. Specifically, these are mature dogwood sawflies: https://bugguide.net/node/view/1172479/bgimage
They have different appearances throughout their lives, and these appear to be later in their development. Here is more information on them. https://bygl.osu.edu/node/1354
They usually do not require management unless they are on a valuable dogwood in the landscape. They are eaten by many insects and birds. If treatment is necessary the big thing to know is that these are not true caterpillars (of moths and butterflies) and therefore do not respond to traditional BT (Bacillus thuringiensis) insecticide products. You would look for a product effective against wasp and wasp larva.
Feel free to let us know if you have any other questions.
