Balsam Fir Sawfly vs Lucifugous Springtail

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Balsam Fir Sawfly Lucifugous Springtail
Scientific Name Neodiprion abietis Megalothorax minimus
Order Hymenoptera Collembola
Family Diprionidae Neelidae
Size 6-8 mm 0.3-0.5 mm
Habitat Forests Caves
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Eastern North America Worldwide
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.

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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.

Lucifugous Springtail

One of the smallest known hexapods, found in deep soil and cave environments. It is nearly transparent and extremely difficult to observe.

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Did You Know?

At about 0.3 mm, it is among the tiniest hexapods on Earth.