Catapillers

[Suziebun]

Hi,

I've just spotted these beauties on my Silver Birch tree. I've tried googling to find out what they will turn into, but can't find the answer. Does anyone here know?

Many thanks.

[Containergardener]

Are they really tiny?
if so I was thinking they aresawfly caterpillars

[Suziebun]

They are fairly small but look very young. I'll keep eye on them to see if they get bigger.

[ameno]

Those are sawfly larvae, for sure. There are several species which eat birch leaves.

[Suziebun]

Oh dear, I'm not sure what to do. I am an organic gardener and dont see the point in killing things just because they are eating a few leaves. However they are making quick work of the leaves on that branch and its only a very young tree. I think I i might have to move them to the bird table for the good of the tree

[Plot70]

Silver birch trees will survive all the leaves being eaten. It will reduce the growth rate in the long run stopping the tree getting too big.