Elm Zigzag Sawfly Found in Michigan and Yes, That’s Its Real Name

The Mitten State has another invasive species to watch out for, because apparently, our trees needed one more tiny freeloading dinner guest with terrible table manners. Oh, and this one has a great name.

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According to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), the state's first confirmed detection of the elm zigzag sawfly was reported in St. Clair County after an arborist submitted it through the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network (MISIN), and the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service identified it. Hooray.

What Michigan Residents Should Look Out For

a close up of a leaf on a tree

The good news is the elm zigzag sawfly is not coming for your ankle, your dog, or your lunch. It's in Michigan for the elm leaves. Young larvae chew a winding, meandering "zigzag" pattern (hence the name) on a leaf, which is probably the most bug way ever to say, "I had a snack."

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Look for yellow-green, caterpillar-like larvae about 10 to 11 millimeters long, with a brown band on the head and dark T-shaped markings on the hind legs. According to the USDA Forest Service, adults are smaller, shiny black, with smoky wings and pale yellow to whitish legs.

Why Michigan Should Pay Attention

An adult elm zigzag sawfly.

MDARD says it doesn't pose a major threat to people, animals, agriculture, or natural resources, and healthy elm trees can usually grow new leaves after they've been eaten. That's the good news. The bad news? If this happens enough to the same tree... let's just say you'll have fuel for a bonfire.

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The elm zigzag sawfly can spread quickly because adults fly and reproduce rapidly. If you spot suspicious, zigzag-like damage to an elm tree, take a picture, note the location, and report it through MISIN. Also, inspect vehicles, outdoor gear, and equipment after traveling, and, as always, do not move firewood.