European Spruce Sawfly vs Neotropical Pergid Sawfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute European Spruce Sawfly Neotropical Pergid Sawfly
Scientific Name Gilpinia hercyniae Acordulecera dorsalis
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Diprionidae Pergidae
Size 7-10 mm 5-8 mm
Habitat Farmland Forests
Diet Omnivores Herbivores
Regions Europe, introduced to North America Central and South America
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.

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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.

Neotropical Pergid Sawfly

A small, dark pergid sawfly found across Central and South America. Adults have compact bodies with relatively short antennae.

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Did You Know?

The Neotropical Pergidae have undergone a remarkable radiation in South America, filling ecological niches occupied by tenthredinids in the Northern Hemisphere.