Elm Cimbicid Sawfly vs Ilex Hairstreak

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Elm Cimbicid Sawfly Ilex Hairstreak
Scientific Name Cimbex luteus Satyrium ilicis
Order Hymenoptera Lepidoptera
Family Cimbicidae Lycaenidae
Size 18-25 mm 30-36 mm wingspan
Habitat Parks Woodlands
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Europe Southern and central Europe, western Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Elm Cimbicid Sawfly

A large, pale yellowish sawfly with conspicuous knobbed antennae. It is associated with elm trees where the large green larvae feed.

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Did You Know?

This species has become less commonly recorded following the decline of elm populations due to Dutch elm disease across Europe.

Ilex Hairstreak

A small dark brown butterfly with an orange band on the underside of its hindwings and a tiny tail projection. It is strongly associated with young oak growth and coppiced woodland.

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Did You Know?

Despite its name suggesting holly (ilex), it feeds exclusively on oak and was misidentified when first described.