Currant, Gooseberry: Imported currantworm
categories: Currant/Gooseberry Currant/Gooseberry Insects Small Fruits
last review date: 2026-04-25 10:36
Photo by: K. Grey
Biology
The imported currantworm is the larva of a sawfly. The adult sawfly is black and yellow and is about 1⁄3″ in length. The female lays eggs on the underside of leaves, near the midrib. The larvae feed along leaf margins, sometimes causing severe defoliation. The larvae are whitish at first, but become greenish with distinctive black spots and heads as they reach maturity. Mature larvae are about 1⁄2″ long.
They pupate in the soil beneath the host plants. A second generation may occur, appearing around June or July. Larvae overwinter in cocoons in the soil. Adults typically emerge in early spring.
Management Options
See "Using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in the Landscape" for successful problem management techniques.
Non-chemical Management
Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!
- Hand-pick and kill larvae when noticed.
- Floating row cover may be useful.
Chemical Management
IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides.
- Monitor plants in April for small holes in the center of leaves from larval feeding.
- Do not make an application if there is no evidence of larvae or damage.
Approved Pesticides
Examples of pesticides that are legal for home use in Washington State are listed below.
The list may not include all products registered for this use.
Additional Image
Photo by: B.M. Johnson
WSU Extension programs and employment are available to all without discrimination.
Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local Extension office.