European Spruce Sawfly vs Freija Fritillary
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | European Spruce Sawfly | Freija Fritillary |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Gilpinia hercyniae | Boloria freija |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Diprionidae | Nymphalidae |
| Size | 7-10 mm | 30-40 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Farmland | Tundra & Arctic |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe, introduced to North America | Alaska, northern Canada, Scandinavia, Finland, northern Russia, Siberia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
European Spruce Sawfly
A moderately sized sawfly with dark brown to black coloring and pectinate antennae in males. Larvae are green with white lateral stripes and feed on spruce needles.
Did You Know?
After its introduction to North America in the 1920s, it caused massive spruce defoliation until a naturally occurring nuclear polyhedrosis virus brought populations under control.
Freija Fritillary
A medium-small fritillary with bright orange wings bearing black zigzag markings. The hindwing underside features a distinctive arrowhead pattern in white and brown. It has a rapid, low flight over tundra bogs.
Did You Know?
Named after the Norse goddess Freya, this butterfly is among the first to fly each spring in the boreal north.