Brazilian peppertree, Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi (Anacardiaceae), an introduced perennial plant from South America, has become widely established throughout central and south Florida because of its ability to invade a wide range of habitats from disturbed sites (e.g., along highways, canals) to natural communities (e.g., pinelands, mangroves). The sawfly Heteroperreyia hubrichi Malaise (Hymenoptera: Pergidae) was collected in southeastern Brazil, and was selected as a biological control candidate against Brazilian peppertree in Florida. Detailed studies on the biology, ecology and host range of H. hubrichi have demonstrated that this sawfly is highly host specific on Brazilian peppertree. Larval stages are gregarious and can completely defoliate a small tree during population peaks in Brazil. Mature larvae cease feeding and burrow into the soil to pupate. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of H. hubrichi on Brazilian peppertree exposed to different environmental conditions found in Florida. Four treatments were established: 1) non-saline environments (0 ppt salt)/low irrigation, 2) non-saline environment/high irrigation, 3) saline environment (6 ppt salt)/low irrigation, and 4) saline environment/high irrigation. Ten 2nd instars were placed on each plant, and the following parameters were measured: duration of larval development, mean larvae weight (6th instar), leaf area consumed, survival to pupation, and number of pupae. The ecological significance of the results is discussed in the context of predicting suitable sites for sawfly establishment in Florida.