Green-legged Sawfly vs Ornate Soldier Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Green-legged Sawfly Ornate Soldier Fly
Scientific Name Perga dorsalis Odontomyia ornata
Order Hymenoptera Diptera
Family Pergidae Stratiomyidae
Size 12-18 mm (adult) 8-12 mm
Habitat Farmland Ponds & Lakes
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Australia Europe
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Green-legged Sawfly

An Australian pergid whose larvae feed gregariously on eucalyptus foliage. Heavy defoliation can stress and weaken young plantation trees.

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Did You Know?

Larvae regurgitate a pungent eucalyptus-oil-based liquid as a chemical defense against birds.

Ornate Soldier Fly

A medium-sized soldier fly with a green and black patterned abdomen and a somewhat flattened body. Adults are sluggish fliers often found basking on waterside vegetation.

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Did You Know?

Its aquatic larvae have a unique hydrophobic tail fringe that acts as a breathing snorkel at the water surface.