Pale-Footed Birch Sawfly vs Alpine Grasshopper
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Pale-Footed Birch Sawfly | Alpine Grasshopper |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Profenusa thomsoni | Kosciuscola tristis |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Orthoptera |
| Family | Tenthredinidae | Acrididae |
| Size | 3-5 mm | Body 20-30 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Mountains |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe, introduced to North America | Australia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Pale-Footed Birch Sawfly
A tiny black sawfly whose larvae create distinctive blotch mines within birch leaves. Mined leaves develop brown, papery patches.
Did You Know?
Heavy infestations can cause over 80 percent of birch leaves to become mined, giving trees a scorched appearance by late summer.
Alpine Grasshopper
A striking color-changing grasshopper found in the Australian Alps above the snowline. Males turn from dark black-brown to brilliant turquoise blue when warmed by sunlight.
Did You Know?
Males change from black to vivid blue in minutes as their body temperature rises in the sun.