Honeysuckle Sawfly vs Thistledown Velvet Ant
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Honeysuckle Sawfly | Thistledown Velvet Ant |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Zaraea fasciata | Dasymutilla gloriosa |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Cimbicidae | Mutillidae |
| Size | 12-16 mm | 12-20 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Herbivores | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe | Southwestern United States from California to Texas |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Honeysuckle Sawfly
A moderately large sawfly with clubbed antennae and a dark body with pale markings. It is closely associated with honeysuckle plants.
Did You Know?
This is one of the smaller members of the Cimbicidae, a family mostly known for its large, robust species.
Thistledown Velvet Ant
A strikingly beautiful velvet ant covered in long white hair that resembles a piece of thistledown blowing across desert sand. The wingless females are a remarkable mimic of windblown plant material.
Did You Know?
Its white fluffy appearance camouflages it among the creosote seed pods and dried plant debris of its desert habitat.