Polar Willow Gall Sawfly vs South American Tree Termite
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Polar Willow Gall Sawfly | South American Tree Termite |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Euura arcticum | Nasutitermes similis |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Blattodea |
| Family | Tenthredinidae | Termitidae |
| Size | 3-5 mm | 4-6 mm |
| Habitat | Tundra & Arctic | Forests |
| Diet | Gall Makers | Gall Makers |
| Regions | Arctic Canada, Alaska, Greenland, Arctic Scandinavia, Svalbard | Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay |
| 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.
South American Tree Termite
A common Neotropical nasute termite building carton nests on trees throughout South American forests. Colonies are moderately large with well-organized soldier defense. Workers forage along covered galleries on tree bark.
Did You Know?
Multiple carton nests of this species in a single tree can be interconnected by covered highways running along branches, forming a super-colony network.