Mountain Ash Sawfly vs Lichen-Bark Katydid
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Mountain Ash Sawfly | Lichen-Bark Katydid |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pristiphora geniculata | Markia hystrix |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Orthoptera |
| Family | Tenthredinidae | Tettigoniidae |
| Size | 5-7 mm | 35-50 mm |
| Habitat | Mountains | Mountains |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe, introduced to North America | Colombia, Ecuador, Peru |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Mountain Ash Sawfly
A small blackish sawfly with pale legs whose green larvae can completely defoliate mountain ash (rowan) trees. Larvae have dark heads and feed gregariously.
Did You Know?
Introduced to North America in the early 1900s, it quickly became the most damaging pest of ornamental mountain ash trees across the continent.
Lichen-Bark Katydid
A Neotropical katydid covered in spine-like projections that mimic lichen or moss. Its body is green with textured growths blending with epiphyte-covered bark.
Did You Know?
Its spiny body projections are so convincing that even scientists can struggle to spot it on mossy branches.