Locust Borer vs South American Eucalyptus Sawfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Locust Borer South American Eucalyptus Sawfly
Scientific Name Megacyllene robiniae Lophyrotoma zonalis
Order Coleoptera Hymenoptera
Family Cerambycidae Pergidae
Size 14-22 mm 10-14 mm
Habitat Farmland Farmland
Diet Pollen Feeders Herbivores
Regions Eastern and Central North America Australia, invasive in South America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Locust Borer

A striking yellow-and-black wasp mimic that attacks black locust trees in North America. Adults appear in autumn and are commonly found on goldenrod flowers. Larval boring weakens locust trunks and can cause breakage.

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Did You Know?

Adults synchronize their emergence with goldenrod bloom, making autumn fields their primary mating arenas.

South American Eucalyptus Sawfly

A dark-bodied pergid sawfly that has become a significant pest of eucalyptus plantations in South America. Larvae are gregarious and can cause severe defoliation.

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Did You Know?

This Australian native became a major pest after eucalyptus was widely planted in South America, far from its natural enemies.