Gooseberry Sawfly vs Black-kneed Capsid

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Gooseberry Sawfly Black-kneed Capsid
Scientific Name Nematus ribesii Blepharidopterus angulatus
Order Hymenoptera Hemiptera
Family Tenthredinidae Miridae
Size 6-8 mm (adult) 5-6 mm
Habitat Orchards Orchards
Diet Herbivores Predators
Regions Europe, North America Europe
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.

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Did You Know?

Three generations per year mean larvae can be found feeding from spring through autumn.

Black-kneed Capsid

A slender, pale green mirid bug with distinctive black knee joints. It is a beneficial predator found in European apple orchards where it feeds on red spider mites. It is one of the most important natural enemies of fruit tree red spider mite.

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Did You Know?

A single individual can consume over 100 spider mites per day, making it so effective that some orchardists manage their spraying programs to conserve this natural predator.