Gum-Tree Pergid Sawfly vs Cuckoo Bumblebee
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Gum-Tree Pergid Sawfly | Cuckoo Bumblebee |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Perga polita | Bombus vestalis |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Pergidae | Apidae |
| Size | 14-20 mm | 15-22mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Woodlands |
| Diet | Herbivores | Parasites |
| Regions | Southeastern Australia | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Gum-Tree Pergid Sawfly
A robust Australian sawfly with a dark, polished body. Its gregarious larvae cluster on eucalyptus branches and produce a strong eucalyptus odor when disturbed.
Did You Know?
The powerful eucalyptus-oil smell released by disturbed larvae can be detected from several meters away and serves as a chemical defense.
Cuckoo Bumblebee
A social parasite that invades buff-tailed bumblebee nests, kills the queen and enslaves the workers.
Did You Know?
Enters the nest of its host species, fights and kills the queen, then forces the workers to raise her own offspring.