Rose Sawfly vs Smoky Wainscot

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Rose Sawfly Smoky Wainscot
Scientific Name Arge ochropus Mythimna impura
Order Hymenoptera Lepidoptera
Family Argidae Noctuidae
Size 7-10 mm 28-34 mm wingspan
Habitat Gardens Grasslands
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Europe, Western Asia Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Rose Sawfly

A yellow and black sawfly whose larvae skeletonize rose leaves. Adults are commonly found on rose bushes in gardens throughout Europe.

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Did You Know?

Its larvae curl into an S-shape and drop off leaves when disturbed as an escape strategy.

Smoky Wainscot

A dull brownish wainscot moth extremely common in grasslands. Larvae feed on various grass species. Often confused with the similar Common Wainscot.

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Did You Know?

So similar to the Common Wainscot that reliable identification often requires examination of genitalia.