Pergid Sawfly vs Erratic Ant

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Pergid Sawfly Erratic Ant
Scientific Name Perga affinis Tapinoma erraticum
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Pergidae Formicidae
Size 15-20 mm 2-4 mm
Habitat Woodlands Heathland
Diet Herbivores Nectar Feeders
Regions Eastern Australia Southern Europe, North Africa, Western Asia
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.

Erratic Ant

A small dark ant common in southern Europe that runs in characteristic erratic zigzag patterns. It nests in dry, warm habitats under stones and in rock crevices.

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Did You Know?

Workers can raise their abdomens to spray defensive chemicals while simultaneously running at full speed.