The Web-spinning Larch Sawfly, Cephalcia lariciphila Wachtl. (Hymenoptera: Pamphiliidae) A New Pest of Larix in England and Wales

The first reported outbreak of Cephalcia lariciphila in Britainoccurred at Margam forest, west and mid-Glamorgan, in 1972 onLarix kaempferi. Twenty-two forests subsequently became affectedin England and Wales between 1972 and 1978. Reduced host vigour was noticed in 1977 in areas defoliatedfor five successive years and deaths in 1978 necessitated sanitationfelling. A decline of damage at Margam and Rheola forests is ascribedto the parasite Olesicampe monticola but widespread collapseof the infestation has not so far occurred. Immediate aims are the biological control of the sawfly by naturallyoccurring parasites and pathogens. Longer term investigationsinto control involve the location, isolation and synthesis ofpheromones.