Silver Birch Web-Spinning Sawfly vs Giant Walkingstick

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Silver Birch Web-Spinning Sawfly Giant Walkingstick
Scientific Name Pamphilius sylvaticus Megaphasma denticrus
Order Hymenoptera Phasmatodea
Family Pamphiliidae Phasmatidae
Size 9-12 mm 75-180 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Europe North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Silver Birch Web-Spinning Sawfly

A flat-bodied sawfly with long filiform antennae and a broad head. Larvae roll or fold birch leaves with silk and feed within the shelters.

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Did You Know?

The flattened body shape of pamphiliid sawflies is an adaptation that allows adults to squeeze into tight spaces in leaf litter and bark crevices.

Giant Walkingstick

The longest insect native to North America at up to 180 mm. Completely wingless and nocturnal. Named for small spines under its mesofemur.

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Did You Know?

At 7 inches long, this is North Americas largest insect by length — yet it is so well camouflaged as a twig that most people walk right past them without noticing.