Green Alder Sawfly vs Western Yellowjacket
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Green Alder Sawfly | Western Yellowjacket |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Monsoma pulveratum | Vespula pensylvanica |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Tenthredinidae | Vespidae |
| Size | 6-8 mm | 11-16 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Woodlands |
| Diet | Herbivores | Carrion Feeders |
| Regions | Europe | Western North America from Alaska to Mexico |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Green Alder Sawfly
A pale green sawfly that blends well with alder foliage. Larvae are translucent green and feed on the undersides of alder leaves.
Did You Know?
This species is one of the few sawflies where the adult body color closely matches its host plant foliage, providing effective camouflage.
Western Yellowjacket
The most common yellowjacket in western North America with a distinctive diamond-shaped black mark on its first abdominal segment. It is a frequent uninvited guest at outdoor picnics.
Did You Know?
In Hawaii, where it was accidentally introduced, it has become a serious invasive pest threatening native insects.