Poplar Sawfly vs Gum Leaf Skeletoniser

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Poplar Sawfly Gum Leaf Skeletoniser
Scientific Name Trichiocampus viminalis Uraba lugens
Order Hymenoptera Lepidoptera
Family Tenthredinidae Nolidae
Size 7-10 mm 25-35 mm wingspan
Habitat Underground Woodlands
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Europe, temperate Asia Australia, Oceania
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

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.

Gum Leaf Skeletoniser

A small moth whose caterpillars are known for retaining their shed head capsules stacked on top of each other, forming a tall 'hat'. The larvae feed gregariously on eucalyptus leaves, skeletonising them.

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Did You Know?

Its caterpillar is nicknamed the 'mad hatterpillar' because it wears a tower of old head capsules like a top hat.