Sawflies are in the same group of insects as bees, ants and wasps (the Hymenoptera). They have caterpillar-like larvae that feed on plants, the adults are winged insects that can appear fly-like. More than 500 species of

Sawfly are small winged insects, related to bees, wasps and ants. Their caterpillar-like larvae feed on the leaves or fruits of certain plants, including apples, gooseberries and Solomen’s seal.

Social pear sawfly has orange caterpillar-like larvae that reach 25 mm (1 in) in length. The larvae feed on leaves in groups within webbing which can cover entire branches. Most often seen on pear, it will also feed on hawthorn, cherry, medlar, plum and cotoneaster. Hawthorn and cotoneaster can also be affected by caterpillars of the hawthorn webber and porphyry knothorn moth, these have small brown caterpillars and also produce webbing.

The adult is a 14mm (½in) long black winged insect. 

Social pear sawfly is rarely abundant and the presence of this insect can be treated as part of the biodiversity a healthy garden supports as it doesn't impact the health of host trees.

• Where possible tolerate populations of sawfly
• Encourage predators and other natural enemies of sawfly in the garden, such as birds, wasps and ground beetles
• If necessary it is possible to control social pear sawfly by pruning out the affected part of the tree and disposing of the larvae