Grass Sawfly vs Red Underwing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Grass Sawfly Red Underwing
Scientific Name Pachynematus clitellatus Catocala nupta
Order Hymenoptera Lepidoptera
Family Tenthredinidae Erebidae
Size 5-7 mm Wingspan 70-82mm
Habitat Meadows Woodlands
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Europe, Northern Asia Europe, Asia
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.

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Did You Know?

Grass-feeding sawflies are among the least studied groups of Symphyta despite being common and widespread in grassland ecosystems.

Red Underwing

A large moth with bark-like grey forewings and vivid red and black banded hindwings flashed as a startle defense.

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Did You Know?

When disturbed from tree bark it flashes its bright red hindwings creating a startle effect then vanishes by closing them.