Rose Slug Sawfly vs Spine-waisted Ant
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Rose Slug Sawfly | Spine-waisted Ant |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Endelomyia aethiops | Aphaenogaster tennesseensis |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Tenthredinidae | Formicidae |
| Size | 4-5 mm | 4-5 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Woodlands |
| Diet | Herbivores | Seed Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, introduced to North America | Eastern North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Rose Slug Sawfly
A small, dark sawfly whose slug-like larvae skeletonize rose leaves by feeding on the upper leaf surface. Larvae are pale yellowish-green and covered in a thin mucus layer.
Did You Know?
Damaged rose leaves develop a characteristic translucent, papery appearance as only the lower epidermis remains after larval feeding.
Spine-waisted Ant
A slender reddish-brown ant common in eastern North American deciduous forests. It is an important seed disperser, carrying seeds with nutritious elaiosomes back to its nest.
Did You Know?
They are responsible for dispersing seeds of many spring wildflowers including trilliums, violets, and bloodroot.