Gum-Tree Pergid Sawfly vs Steelblue Jewel Leaf Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Gum-Tree Pergid Sawfly Steelblue Jewel Leaf Beetle
Scientific Name Perga polita Lamprolina aeneipennis
Order Hymenoptera Coleoptera
Family Pergidae Chrysomelidae
Size 14-20 mm 12-18 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Southeastern Australia Eastern Australia
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.

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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.

Steelblue Jewel Leaf Beetle

A large, robust Australian leaf beetle with brilliant metallic steely-blue to purple elytra and a dark green pronotum. It is associated with Eucalyptus and related Myrtaceae in eastern Australia.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the largest and most spectacularly metallic chrysomelid beetles in Australia, with coloring rivaling tropical jewel beetles.