Birch Sawfly vs Black Headed Birch Sawfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Birch Sawfly | Black Headed Birch Sawfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cimbex femoratus | Craesus alniastri |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Cimbicidae | Tenthredinidae |
| Size | 20-28 mm | 7-9 mm |
| Habitat | Parks | Woodlands |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe, Western Asia | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Birch Sawfly
One of the largest European sawflies, with a stout body, clubbed antennae, and variable coloring from black to yellowish-brown. Larvae are large, pale green caterpillar-like grubs found curled on birch leaves.
Did You Know?
When disturbed, the large larva can squirt a jet of fluid from glands above its spiracles as a defensive mechanism.
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.