Australian Satin Sawfly vs Beet Armyworm

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Australian Satin Sawfly Beet Armyworm
Scientific Name Perga lewisi Spodoptera exigua
Order Hymenoptera Lepidoptera
Family Pergidae Noctuidae
Size 14-20 mm 25-30 mm wingspan
Habitat Woodlands Farmland
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Australia Worldwide warm regions
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Australian Satin Sawfly

A large Australian sawfly with a satiny dark blue-black body. Larvae are robust and feed in clusters on eucalyptus foliage.

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Did You Know?

The larvae tap their bodies rhythmically against the branch when disturbed, producing vibrations that may alert other larvae in the colony.

Beet Armyworm

A small grayish-brown moth whose green caterpillars attack a wide range of vegetable and field crops. Larvae often skeletonize leaves before moving to fruits and growing points.

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Did You Know?

Young larvae spin fine silk threads that allow them to balloon on the wind to new host plants.