Large Larch Sawfly vs Brazilian Thorn Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Large Larch Sawfly Brazilian Thorn Moth
Scientific Name Nematus erichsonii Cyanopepla huillensis
Order Hymenoptera Lepidoptera
Family Tenthredinidae Erebidae
Size 8-10 mm (adult) 35-50 mm wingspan
Habitat Forests Forests
Diet Omnivores Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe South America (Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay)
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Large Larch Sawfly

A gregarious defoliator of larch in European forests. Larvae feed in groups and can rapidly strip branches of needles.

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Did You Know?

Defoliated larch trees produce a second flush of needles but suffer significant growth reduction.

Brazilian Thorn Moth

A day-flying moth with brilliant metallic blue forewings and bright red or orange hindwings, warning predators of its toxicity. It mimics various toxic butterflies and wasps. Despite being a moth, it is active during daylight hours and visits flowers for nectar.

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Did You Know?

It is one of many day-flying moths in the Neotropics that are frequently mistaken for butterflies due to their bright colors and diurnal habits.