Pear Slug Sawfly vs Warrior Wasp

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Pear Slug Sawfly Warrior Wasp
Scientific Name Caliroa cerasi Synoeca septentrionalis
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Tenthredinidae Vespidae
Size 4-6 mm (adult) 25-30 mm
Habitat Orchards Forests
Diet Herbivores Fruit Feeders
Regions Worldwide Central America, South America
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Pear Slug Sawfly

A cosmopolitan sawfly whose slimy, slug-like larvae skeletonize leaves of cherry, pear, and plum. Heavy infestations cause premature leaf drop.

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Did You Know?

Larvae cover themselves in a dark, slimy secretion that makes them look like tiny slugs.

Warrior Wasp

Rated 4.0 on the Schmidt Pain Index alongside the bullet ant and tarantula hawk. Paper nest builders that drum their bodies in unison as a warning display before attacking.

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Did You Know?

Before attacking intruders, warrior wasps perform a synchronized drumming display — the entire colony beats their bodies against the nest in rhythmic unison as a final warning.