Common Rustic vs Oak Slug Sawfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Common Rustic | Oak Slug Sawfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Mesapamea secalis | Caliroa quercuscoccineae |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Noctuidae | Tenthredinidae |
| Size | 26-34 mm wingspan | 4-5 mm (adult) |
| Habitat | Farmland | Woodlands |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
Common Rustic
A highly variable common moth that forms a species complex with the Lesser Common Rustic. External appearance is unreliable for identification. Larvae feed inside grass stems.
Did You Know?
So similar to its sibling species that they were not recognized as separate species until 1983.
Oak Slug Sawfly
A slug-like sawfly larva that skeletonizes oak leaves in North America. Severe infestations cause browning of the canopy by midsummer.
Did You Know?
The slimy larval coating deters most predators except for a few specialized parasitoid wasps.