Gooseberry Sawfly vs Banded Velvet Ant
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Gooseberry Sawfly | Banded Velvet Ant |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Nematus ribesii | Dasymutilla occidentalis africana |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Tenthredinidae | Mutillidae |
| Size | 6-8 mm (adult) | 12-20 mm |
| Habitat | Orchards | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Herbivores | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, North America | Southern Africa, East Africa |
| Conservation | Not Evaluated | Least Concern |
Gooseberry Sawfly
The most destructive insect pest of gooseberry and red currant bushes in Europe. Larvae can strip bushes completely of leaves within days.
Did You Know?
Three generations per year mean larvae can be found feeding from spring through autumn.
Banded Velvet Ant
A wingless wasp covered in dense orange and black velvety hair. Despite the name, it is actually a solitary wasp, not an ant.
Did You Know?
Their sting is so painful it has earned them the nickname 'cow killer' despite being unable to actually kill cattle.