Green Immigrant Leaf Weevil vs Black Headed Birch Sawfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Green Immigrant Leaf Weevil Black Headed Birch Sawfly
Scientific Name Polydrusus formosus Craesus alniastri
Order Coleoptera Hymenoptera
Family Chrysomelidae Tenthredinidae
Size 5-7 mm 7-9 mm
Habitat Orchards Woodlands
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Europe, introduced to Northeastern North America Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Green Immigrant Leaf Weevil

A small, brilliant metallic green beetle covered in tiny iridescent scales that produce its striking coloration. It is native to Europe but has become established in parts of North America.

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Did You Know?

Its brilliant green color comes from microscopic scales on its body; once these scales wear off, the beetle appears dull brown or black underneath.

Black Headed Birch Sawfly

A medium-sized sawfly with a dark head and orange body. Larvae are greenish-blue with black heads and feed communally on birch and alder leaves.

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Did You Know?

When a predator approaches, the entire colony of larvae simultaneously rears up and thrashes, making the group appear larger and more threatening.