Rose Slug Sawfly vs Waterlily Borer Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Rose Slug Sawfly Waterlily Borer Moth
Scientific Name Endelomyia aethiops Elophila gyralis
Order Hymenoptera Lepidoptera
Family Tenthredinidae Crambidae
Size 4-5 mm 18-24 mm wingspan
Habitat Underground Ponds & Lakes
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
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.

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Did You Know?

Damaged rose leaves develop a characteristic translucent, papery appearance as only the lower epidermis remains after larval feeding.

Waterlily Borer Moth

A small pale brown moth with wavy dark lines across its wings. Its larvae are aquatic, living underwater in cases made from fragments of waterlily leaves.

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Did You Know?

The larvae breathe underwater using modified gills and never surface until they are ready to pupate.