Beech Scale vs Xyelid Pine Bud Sawfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Beech Scale Xyelid Pine Bud Sawfly
Scientific Name Cryptococcus fagisuga Xyela minor
Order Hemiptera Hymenoptera
Family Eriococcidae Xyelidae
Size 0.5-1 mm 3-4 mm
Habitat Forests Forests
Diet Fungus Feeders Pollen Feeders
Regions Europe, North America North America
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Beech Scale

A tiny scale insect that feeds on beech bark, creating wounds that allow the Neonectria fungus to enter. Together they cause beech bark disease.

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Did You Know?

The scale-fungus complex has killed millions of beech trees across northeastern North America.

Xyelid Pine Bud Sawfly

A tiny sawfly with the characteristic elongated third antennal segment of its ancient family. Adults emerge in early spring to coincide with pine pollen release.

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Did You Know?

Xyelid sawflies time their adult emergence precisely to the few weeks when pine male cones are shedding pollen, their larvae's only food source.