Australian Satin Sawfly vs Pear Leaf-curling Midge

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Australian Satin Sawfly Pear Leaf-curling Midge
Scientific Name Perga lewisi Dasineura pyri
Order Hymenoptera Diptera
Family Pergidae Cecidomyiidae
Size 14-20 mm 1-2 mm
Habitat Woodlands Orchards
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Australia Europe, Asia, introduced to North America and Australia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Australian Satin Sawfly

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

💡

Did You Know?

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

Pear Leaf-curling Midge

A minute gall midge whose larvae cause pear leaves to roll tightly inward along their margins. Multiple generations can occur per year, progressively damaging pear tree foliage.

💡

Did You Know?

The larvae manipulate plant growth hormones to force leaves to curl around them, creating a protective shelter.