Pale-Footed Birch Sawfly vs Ringlet

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Pale-Footed Birch Sawfly Ringlet
Scientific Name Profenusa thomsoni Aphantopus hyperantus
Order Hymenoptera Lepidoptera
Family Tenthredinidae Nymphalidae
Size 3-5 mm Wingspan 42-48mm
Habitat Woodlands Grasslands
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Europe, introduced to North America Europe, Asia
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.

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Did You Know?

Heavy infestations can cause over 80 percent of birch leaves to become mined, giving trees a scorched appearance by late summer.

Ringlet

A dark chocolate-brown butterfly with small ringed eyespots on the underwings. Flies in shady grasslands.

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Did You Know?

One of the few butterflies that thrives in shade, often flying in cloudy weather when others are grounded.