Hazel Sawfly vs Gum Leaf Skeletoniser

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Hazel Sawfly Gum Leaf Skeletoniser
Scientific Name Croesus septentrionalis Uraba lugens
Order Hymenoptera Lepidoptera
Family Tenthredinidae Nolidae
Size 8-10 mm 25-35 mm wingspan
Habitat Heathland Woodlands
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Europe, Western Asia Australia, Oceania
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Hazel Sawfly

A medium-sized sawfly with an orange abdomen and dark thorax. The bluish-green larvae with black heads feed gregariously on hazel, birch, and alder.

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Did You Know?

When disturbed, the gregarious larvae raise their tails simultaneously in an S-shape, creating an intimidating group display to deter predators.

Gum Leaf Skeletoniser

A small moth whose caterpillars are known for retaining their shed head capsules stacked on top of each other, forming a tall 'hat'. The larvae feed gregariously on eucalyptus leaves, skeletonising them.

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Did You Know?

Its caterpillar is nicknamed the 'mad hatterpillar' because it wears a tower of old head capsules like a top hat.