WHILE FOREIGNERS SNAP UP BARGAINS BRITISH STERLING TAKES A POUNDING
David Price
The unique digestive ability of the Neodiprion (commonly called sawfly) could not have evolved step by step. On the surface, few people would suspect that one small insect could have an unsettling effect on the basic tenets of the theory of evolution. But the larva or the common sawfly does just that. The sawfly larva, a rather ordinary looking creature as caterpillars go, has managed to carve out an ecological niche on the fragrant needles of the pine tree. At first glance this may not seem like a particularly noteworthy accomplishment. But in the small world of in sects it represents a radical departure from accepted environmental norms. To many small insects the pine tree is a virtual no-man's land. Its resins and oils, which may smell sweet to us humans, are highly toxic substances as far as the six leggers are concerned. But not to the sawfly larva! This little critter not only can tolerate pine oil and resins, but it even "knows how" to chew them up with-out being poisoned.
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