Black-shouldered Spinyleg vs Balsam Fir Sawfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Black-shouldered Spinyleg Balsam Fir Sawfly
Scientific Name Dromogomphus spinosus Neodiprion abietis
Order Odonata Hymenoptera
Family Gomphidae Diprionidae
Size 60-70 mm 6-8 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Forests
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions North America Eastern North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Black-shouldered Spinyleg

A large, elegant clubtail with distinctive spiny hind legs and black shoulder stripes. It perches conspicuously on rocks and logs along streams.

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Did You Know?

The spiny projections on its hind legs form a basket used to scoop prey out of the air.

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.