Scarlet Pergid Sawfly vs Death Head Hawk Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Scarlet Pergid Sawfly Death Head Hawk Moth
Scientific Name Pergagrapta polita Acherontia lachesis
Order Hymenoptera Lepidoptera
Family Pergidae Sphingidae
Size 10-16 mm 100-130 mm wingspan
Habitat Woodlands Farmland
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Eastern Australia Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Scarlet Pergid Sawfly

A brightly colored Australian sawfly with a polished dark body and reddish highlights. Larvae feed on eucalyptus and are often found in clusters.

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Did You Know?

The genus Pergagrapta is endemic to Australia and represents part of the remarkable radiation of pergid sawflies on that continent.

Death Head Hawk Moth

An Asian death head moth that squeaks loudly and raids bee hives for honey.

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Did You Know?

It produces a chemical that mimics bee pheromones to avoid attack inside hives.