Pergid Sawfly vs Poplar Sawfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Pergid Sawfly Poplar Sawfly
Scientific Name Perga affinis Trichiocampus viminalis
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Pergidae Tenthredinidae
Size 15-20 mm 7-10 mm
Habitat Woodlands Underground
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Eastern Australia Europe, temperate 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.

Poplar Sawfly

A small sawfly with a yellow-orange body and black head. Its brightly colored yellow-and-black larvae feed on poplar and willow leaves in conspicuous clusters.

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Did You Know?

The larvae display classic aposematic coloration with bold yellow and black markings, warning predators of their unpalatability.