Neodiprion virginianus

Rohwer, 1918

Neodiprion virginianus is a (Hymenoptera: Diprionidae) that feeds on jack pine (Pinus banksiana). It is part of a with variable . The has been documented causing localized defoliation in northeastern North America, with capable of sudden collapse. Larvae are gregarious folivores that consume pine needles.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Neodiprion virginianus: /ˌniːoʊdɪˈpraɪən vɜːˈdʒɪniənəs/

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Habitat

Jack pine (Pinus banksiana) stands; coniferous forest where pine occurs.

Distribution

Northeastern New Brunswick, Canada; inferred to occur in eastern North American range of jack pine based on association.

Diet

Pine needles (folivory); specifically jack pine (Pinus banksiana) foliage.

Host Associations

  • Pinus banksiana - primary plantJack pine; sole documented in New Brunswick study

Behavior

Larvae feed gregariously on pine foliage. have been observed to terminate abruptly.

Ecological Role

Herbivore on conifers; serves as food source for natural enemies including . can cause localized defoliation of pine stands.

Human Relevance

Occasional forest pest; capable of defoliating jack pine stands during conditions. Management typically relies on natural enemy rather than intervention.

Similar Taxa

  • Neodiprion leconteiCongeneric pine-feeding with similar larval and ; part of same with overlapping use
  • Other Neodiprion speciesMembers of same share conifer associations, gregarious larval feeding , and similar patterns; larval identification requires detailed examination

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Sources and further reading