European Antlion vs Xyelid Pine Bud Sawfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute European Antlion Xyelid Pine Bud Sawfly
Scientific Name Euroleon nostras Xyela minor
Order Neuroptera Hymenoptera
Family Myrmeleontidae Xyelidae
Size 30-40 mm wingspan 3-4 mm
Habitat Beaches & Coastal Forests
Diet Pollen Feeders Pollen Feeders
Regions Europe, North Africa North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

European Antlion

A large neuropteran whose larvae build conical sand pits to trap ants and other small insects. Adults resemble damselflies but are weaker fliers.

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Did You Know?

Antlion larvae can survive for months without food while waiting at the bottom of their sand traps.

Xyelid Pine Bud Sawfly

A tiny sawfly with the characteristic elongated third antennal segment of its ancient family. Adults emerge in early spring to coincide with pine pollen release.

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Did You Know?

Xyelid sawflies time their adult emergence precisely to the few weeks when pine male cones are shedding pollen, their larvae's only food source.