A heads up for those who spend time out in the garden in autumn, sawfly larvae are about too.  As a child we use to call this mass of caterpillar like creature’s spitfires.  They wave their tails about and regurgitate a yellow liquid to ward off predators and gardeners so be sure not get your face near to them as they can cause irritation. Though they look similar, they are not a caterpillar, featuring three sets of legs and covered in bristles.

These are the offspring of a flying insect that looks a bit like a wasp but with no stinger.  So, we don’t mind the adult, but their larvae can stripe a eucalyptus or callistemon of all its leaves if it is a small tree. They prey on native plants, when you go to inspect your plant, you usually get stung by the larvae before you see the reason for the defoliation. They feed at night and look for shelter during the day. As they are eaten by birds, they need to hide from them.  They gather in groups on the stems, waving their tails to all that come near.

Usually, mother nature controls these beasties, but you can spray them with garden insecticides if they become too rampant.