Saunders' Case Moth vs Arctic Sawfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Saunders' Case Moth | Arctic Sawfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Metura saundersi | Amauronematus abnormis |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Psychidae | Tenthredinidae |
| Size | Case up to 8 cm long; male moth 1.5-2 cm wingspan | 5-8 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Tundra & Arctic |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Australia | Arctic Scandinavia, Finland, northern Russia, Arctic Canada, Alaska |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Saunders' Case Moth
A smaller relative of the large case moth that constructs a tapering case of silk and plant debris. Males are dark, short-lived moths while females remain in their cases.
Did You Know?
Each case is individually crafted and can take over a year to fully construct.
Arctic Sawfly
A small, dark sawfly associated with willows in Arctic and subarctic regions. Females use their saw-like ovipositor to cut slits in willow leaves and stems for egg-laying. Larvae resemble caterpillars and feed openly on leaves.
Did You Know?
Arctic sawfly larvae can produce silk pads to anchor themselves to willow leaves during strong tundra winds.