Grass Sawfly vs African Harvester Termite
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Grass Sawfly | African Harvester Termite |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pachynematus clitellatus | Microhodotermes viator |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Blattodea |
| Family | Tenthredinidae | Hodotermitidae |
| Size | 5-7 mm | 6-10 mm |
| Habitat | Meadows | Heathland |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe, Northern Asia | Western Cape, South Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Grass Sawfly
A small, inconspicuous greenish sawfly associated with grasses. Larvae are smooth, pale green and feed on various meadow grasses.
Did You Know?
Grass-feeding sawflies are among the least studied groups of Symphyta despite being common and widespread in grassland ecosystems.
African Harvester Termite
A harvester termite found in the fynbos and semi-arid regions of the Western Cape in South Africa. Workers have pigmented eyes and forage on the surface for grass and plant material. Colonies build subterranean nests with extensive tunnel systems.
Did You Know?
This species creates 'heuweltjies' (small mounds) in the fynbos landscape that are visible in satellite imagery and may persist for thousands of years.