European Spruce Sawfly vs Malagasy Flatwing
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | European Spruce Sawfly | Malagasy Flatwing |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Gilpinia hercyniae | Platycnemis malgassica |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Odonata |
| Family | Diprionidae | Platycnemididae |
| Size | 7-10 mm | 32-40 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe, introduced to North America | Madagascar |
| 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.
Malagasy Flatwing
A slender damselfly with expanded white tibiae on the middle and hind legs, used in courtship displays. Males have a pale blue body with dark dorsal markings.
Did You Know?
Males wave their flattened white legs during courtship flights to attract females, creating a flickering visual display.