European Pine Sawfly vs Gum Leaf Skeletoniser

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute European Pine Sawfly Gum Leaf Skeletoniser
Scientific Name Neodiprion sertifer Uraba lugens
Order Hymenoptera Lepidoptera
Family Diprionidae Nolidae
Size 7-10 mm (adult) 25-35 mm wingspan
Habitat Farmland Woodlands
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Europe, North America Australia, Oceania
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

European Pine Sawfly

A common defoliator of pines in Europe and an invasive pest in North America. Larvae feed gregariously on older needles of various pine species.

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Did You Know?

A nuclear polyhedrosis virus naturally controls its populations and is used as a biopesticide.

Gum Leaf Skeletoniser

A small moth whose caterpillars are known for retaining their shed head capsules stacked on top of each other, forming a tall 'hat'. The larvae feed gregariously on eucalyptus leaves, skeletonising them.

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Did You Know?

Its caterpillar is nicknamed the 'mad hatterpillar' because it wears a tower of old head capsules like a top hat.