Polar Willow Gall Sawfly vs Plantain Gall Weevil
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Polar Willow Gall Sawfly | Plantain Gall Weevil |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Euura arcticum | Mecinus pyraster |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Tenthredinidae | Curculionidae |
| Size | 3-5 mm | 3-4 mm |
| Habitat | Tundra & Arctic | Grasslands |
| Diet | Gall Makers | Gall Makers |
| Regions | Arctic Canada, Alaska, Greenland, Arctic Scandinavia, Svalbard | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Polar Willow Gall Sawfly
A tiny sawfly that induces galls on Arctic willow stems by injecting chemicals during egg-laying. The larva develops safely inside the swollen plant tissue. Adults are small and dark with clear wings.
Did You Know?
The gall provides the larva with both food and insulation, maintaining temperatures several degrees warmer than the outside air.
Plantain Gall Weevil
A small cylindrical weevil that causes stem galls on plantain. Larvae develop inside swollen plant stems. An inconspicuous but very common species.
Did You Know?
Causes distinctive swellings on plantain stems that are easy to find even when the tiny weevil itself is not visible.