American Xyelid Sawfly vs Banded Pennant

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute American Xyelid Sawfly Banded Pennant
Scientific Name Xyela bakeri Celithemis fasciata
Order Hymenoptera Odonata
Family Xyelidae Libellulidae
Size 3-5 mm 35-40mm
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Ponds & Lakes
Diet Pollen Feeders Predators
Regions Western North America North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

American Xyelid Sawfly

A minute primitive sawfly native to western North America with the family's characteristic elongated third antennal segment. Adults appear in early spring.

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Did You Know?

Despite being among the most primitive Hymenoptera, xyelid sawflies are highly specialized in their larval diet, feeding exclusively on pine pollen.

Banded Pennant

A medium-sized dragonfly with bold dark bands across all four wings. Its body is dark with reddish markings. It perches prominently on the tips of twigs near water.

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Did You Know?

It perches at the very tips of twigs, looking like a tiny flag waving in the wind.