Smoky Wainscot vs Rose Slug Sawfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Smoky Wainscot Rose Slug Sawfly
Scientific Name Mythimna impura Endelomyia aethiops
Order Lepidoptera Hymenoptera
Family Noctuidae Tenthredinidae
Size 28-34 mm wingspan 4-5 mm
Habitat Grasslands Underground
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Europe Europe, introduced to North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Smoky Wainscot

A dull brownish wainscot moth extremely common in grasslands. Larvae feed on various grass species. Often confused with the similar Common Wainscot.

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Did You Know?

So similar to the Common Wainscot that reliable identification often requires examination of genitalia.

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.