Balsam Fir Sawfly vs Black Headed Birch Sawfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Balsam Fir Sawfly | Black Headed Birch Sawfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Neodiprion abietis | Craesus alniastri |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Diprionidae | Tenthredinidae |
| Size | 6-8 mm | 7-9 mm |
| Habitat | Forests | Woodlands |
| Diet | Omnivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Eastern North America | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Balsam Fir Sawfly
A boreal sawfly whose dark green larvae with lighter stripes feed on balsam fir needles. Periodic outbreaks can cause significant defoliation in fir forests.
Did You Know?
Outbreaks of this species often follow those of the spruce budworm, as the already stressed trees are more susceptible to additional defoliation.
Black Headed Birch Sawfly
A medium-sized sawfly with a dark head and orange body. Larvae are greenish-blue with black heads and feed communally on birch and alder leaves.
Did You Know?
When a predator approaches, the entire colony of larvae simultaneously rears up and thrashes, making the group appear larger and more threatening.