Rose Aphid vs Solomon's Seal Sawfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Rose Aphid Solomon's Seal Sawfly
Scientific Name Macrosiphum rosae Phymatocera aterrima
Order Hemiptera Hymenoptera
Family Aphididae Tenthredinidae
Size 2-4 mm 8-10 mm
Habitat Underground Underground
Diet Sap Feeders Herbivores
Regions Worldwide, wherever roses are grown Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Rose Aphid

A large green or pink aphid with long black cornicles (siphunculi) that is the most common aphid pest of roses. It clusters on buds and young shoots, distorting growth.

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Did You Know?

It can exist in green and pink color morphs on the same plant, and the color form may be influenced by crowding density and host plant quality.

Solomon's Seal Sawfly

A small, entirely black sawfly whose grayish-white larvae with black heads are highly destructive to Solomon's seal plants. Larvae feed from the leaf edges inward.

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Did You Know?

The larvae are so well camouflaged against the undersides of Solomon's seal leaves that gardeners often only notice them after severe damage is done.