Pergid Sawfly vs Australian Beefly Robber

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Pergid Sawfly Australian Beefly Robber
Scientific Name Perga affinis Blepharotes coriarius
Order Hymenoptera Diptera
Family Pergidae Asilidae
Size 15-20 mm 25-35 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Herbivores Predators
Regions Eastern Australia Australia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Pergid Sawfly

An Australian sawfly whose larvae form dense defensive clusters called spitfires on eucalyptus trees. When threatened, larvae rear up and regurgitate eucalyptus oil.

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Did You Know?

Larvae tap their tails on the branch in unison to signal the group to move to fresh leaves.

Australian Beefly Robber

Australia's largest robber fly, heavily built with a dense covering of dark hair. It is a powerful predator capable of taking large beetles.

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Did You Know?

It is so large and powerful that it has been observed catching and eating cicadas.