Insects Active during the day

bristly rose sawfly

Cladius pectinicornis

iNaturalist Wikipedia

A tiny marvel of the garden world, the bristly rose sawfly is famous for its comb-like antennae and its 'skeletonizing' larvae. This resilient insect is a common visitor to backyards wherever roses bloom.

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Quick Identification

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Size

Adults: 5–9 mm (0.2–0.35 in); Larvae: up to 15 mm (0.6 in) long

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Colors

Adults are mostly black with pale white or yellowish legs. Larvae are translucent pale green with small white tufts of hair.

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Key Features

Males possess distinct comb-like (pectinate) antennae
Larvae are covered in small, bristly white tubercles
Adult females have a saw-like appendage for laying eggs
Larvae create circular holes or skeletonized patterns on rose leaves

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern Active during the day

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Peak hours 9 AM - 5 PM

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Season May-September

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Diet Larvae feed exclusively on the foliage of various rose species (Rosa spp.), skeletonizing leaves by eating the tissue between veins.

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Habitat Suburban gardens, urban parks, botanical gardens, and wild areas where roses are prevalent.

Behavior

The bristly rose sawfly is primarily known for the damage its larvae cause to ornamental plants. While the adults are inconspicuous and short-lived, the larvae are voracious eaters. They typically reside on the undersides of leaves to avoid predators and the drying effects of the sun. When disturbed, the larvae often exhibit a characteristic 'C-shaped' defensive posture, curling their bodies tightly.

Unlike many other garden insects, these sawflies are solitary as adults. They do not form hives or colonies. The life cycle is rapid, often allowing for multiple generations within a single summer season. This means that a small population in the spring can quickly expand by mid-summer if host plants are abundant and weather conditions remain temperate.

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Camera Tips

To successfully capture the bristly rose sawfly, you must think small. These insects are best observed using macro lenses or high-resolution cameras with a very close focal point. Position your camera specifically on the underside of rose leaves where the larvae are most likely to feed. Because they move slowly, they are excellent subjects for time-lapse photography, which can reveal their 'skeletonizing' feeding behavior over several hours.

Lighting is the biggest hurdle when photographing these tiny subjects. Use a diffused light source or a ring light to illuminate the underside of the foliage. Direct, harsh sunlight can cause glare on the larva's translucent skin, obscuring the fine bristles that give the species its name. If you are using a trail camera with a macro mode, mount it to a steady stake or even clip it directly to a sturdy branch of the rose bush to ensure the wind doesn't blow your subject out of focus.

For adult sawflies, early morning is the prime window for photography. When temperatures are lower, the adults are less likely to take flight and can often be found resting on the upper surfaces of leaves to catch the first rays of the sun. Set your camera to a fast shutter speed to compensate for any slight movement of the plant in the breeze. If your AI-powered camera allows for custom trigger zones, focus on the newest, softest growth of the rose bush, as this is where females prefer to deposit their eggs.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with bristly rose sawfly.

Roseslug Sawfly

Larvae are smooth and slimy (slug-like) without the distinct white bristles of the bristly rose sawfly.

Curled Rose Sawfly

Larvae have a darker upper body and typically curl into a tight spiral when resting on a leaf.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Adults and larvae are most active during the daylight hours, especially when the sun is out. Larvae feed continuously, but adults are easiest to spot in the early morning while they are still warming up.

The most effective way to attract them is to plant various species of roses. They prefer plants with soft, healthy foliage for egg-laying and larval feeding.

The larvae eat the soft green tissue of rose leaves, leaving only the veins behind. Adults do not feed much, focusing primarily on reproduction.

Yes, they are extremely common in suburban areas due to the high density of rose bushes in private gardens and public landscaping.

Look at the legs; sawfly larvae have six or more pairs of 'prolegs' (the fleshy legs on the abdomen), while butterfly and moth caterpillars typically have five pairs or fewer.

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