Hairy Whirligig Beetle vs Larch Sawfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Hairy Whirligig Beetle Larch Sawfly
Scientific Name Orectochilus villosus Pristiphora erichsonii
Order Coleoptera Hymenoptera
Family Gyrinidae Tenthredinidae
Size 5-7 mm 8-12 mm (adult)
Habitat Rivers & Streams Forests
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Europe North America, Europe
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Hairy Whirligig Beetle

A nocturnal whirligig beetle covered in fine golden hairs that trap air underwater. Unlike other whirligigs it hides under stones by day.

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Did You Know?

It is the only European whirligig beetle that is primarily nocturnal rather than diurnal.

Larch Sawfly

The most important defoliator of larch in North America. Periodic outbreaks can last for years and cause significant growth reduction.

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Did You Know?

Indigenous peoples used outbreaks as a calendar marker, as they occurred with notable regularity.