Dogwood Borer vs African Sapphire

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Dogwood Borer African Sapphire
Scientific Name Synanthedon scitula Iolaus iulus
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Sesiidae Lycaenidae
Size 18–23 mm wingspan 30-40 mm wingspan
Habitat Orchards Woodlands
Diet Root Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Eastern North America Sub-Saharan Africa
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Dogwood Borer

A clearwing moth whose larvae bore beneath the bark of dogwood, apple, and other trees. It is a significant pest of apple orchards on dwarfing rootstocks.

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Did You Know?

It preferentially attacks the swollen graft unions on dwarf apple trees, which can kill productive orchard trees.

African Sapphire

Brilliant sapphire-blue upper wings with a dark margin and twin tails on hindwings. Found in African woodlands and forest edges.

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Did You Know?

Larvae feed exclusively inside mistletoe fruits, making them almost invisible to predators.