Native to Europe, it was accidentally introduced to North America in 1925, where it has established itself as a commercial pest.

The European pine sawfly typically hatches from early April to late May.

September and October are when the female lays eggs in pine trees for the next generation.

For controlling it, one can use natural parasites, remove the eggs from the tree, or spray pesticides.

The caterpillars contain chemical compounds including (+)-Catechin 7-O-β-glucoside, isorhamnetin 3,7,4′-tri-O-β-glucoside, kaempferol 3,7,4′-tri-O-β-glucoside and quercetin 3,7,4′-tri-O-β-glucoside; these have been isolated from the hemolymph.