Sachem Skipper vs Balsam Fir Sawfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Sachem Skipper | Balsam Fir Sawfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Atalopedes campestris | Neodiprion abietis |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Hesperiidae | Diprionidae |
| Size | 25-36 mm wingspan | 6-8 mm |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Forests |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Throughout the United States, more common in the south | Eastern North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Sachem Skipper
A small tawny-orange skipper with a distinctive large dark patch on the male's forewing. Females are darker with more mottled patterns.
Did You Know?
It is one of the most abundant skippers on American lawns, thriving in mowed Bermuda grass.
Balsam Fir Sawfly
A boreal sawfly whose dark green larvae with lighter stripes feed on balsam fir needles. Periodic outbreaks can cause significant defoliation in fir forests.
Did You Know?
Outbreaks of this species often follow those of the spruce budworm, as the already stressed trees are more susceptible to additional defoliation.