Pteromalus Pupal Wasp vs Pergid Sawfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Pteromalus Pupal Wasp Pergid Sawfly
Scientific Name Pteromalus puparum Perga affinis
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Pteromalidae Pergidae
Size 2-3 mm 15-20 mm
Habitat Farmland Woodlands
Diet Parasitoids Herbivores
Regions Europe, North America, Asia, Oceania Eastern Australia
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Pteromalus Pupal Wasp

A small metallic-green parasitoid that attacks butterfly and moth pupae, particularly those of cabbage whites. Multiple wasps develop within a single host pupa.

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Did You Know?

Up to 200 tiny wasps can emerge from a single cabbage white butterfly chrysalis.

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.