Pine False Webworm vs Alder Cimbicid Sawfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Pine False Webworm Alder Cimbicid Sawfly
Scientific Name Acantholyda erythrocephala Cimbex americanus
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Pamphiliidae Cimbicidae
Size 10-15 mm (adult) 18-25 mm
Habitat Farmland Rivers & Streams
Diet Omnivores Wood Feeders
Regions Europe, North America North America
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Pine False Webworm

An invasive European sawfly that defoliates pines in North America. Unlike typical sawflies, larvae are solitary and spin silk tubes on branches.

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Did You Know?

Larvae feed inside silken tubes spun among the needles, unlike the gregarious feeding of most pine sawflies.

Alder Cimbicid Sawfly

The largest sawfly in North America, with a robust body up to 25 mm long, clubbed antennae, and smoky brown wings. Body color varies from black to brownish-yellow.

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Did You Know?

The large, green larvae can squirt a fluid from lateral glands when disturbed, similar to their European relative Cimbex femoratus.