Northern Pitch Twig Moth Sawfly vs Hyllus Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Northern Pitch Twig Moth Sawfly Hyllus Beetle
Scientific Name Xyela alpigena Dynastes hyllus
Order Hymenoptera Coleoptera
Family Xyelidae Dynastinae
Size 3-5 mm 45-80 mm
Habitat Mountains Mountains
Diet Pollen Feeders Sap Feeders
Regions Europe, particularly Alpine regions Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Northern Pitch Twig Moth Sawfly

A minute sawfly that is part of the oldest surviving lineage of Hymenoptera. Adults have the distinctive elongated third antennal segment characteristic of xyelids.

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Did You Know?

This high-altitude species represents a living lineage that has survived essentially unchanged for over 200 million years.

Hyllus Beetle

A Central American Hercules-type beetle smaller than its famous relative. Males have proportionally shorter horns.

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Did You Know?

They are found at higher elevations than most other Dynastes species in Central America.