Solomon's Seal Sawfly vs European Firebug
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Solomon's Seal Sawfly | European Firebug |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Phymatocera aterrima | Pyrrhocoris apterus |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Tenthredinidae | Pyrrhocoridae |
| Size | 8-10 mm | 9-13 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Underground |
| Diet | Herbivores | Predators |
| Regions | Europe | Europe, Central Asia, North Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Solomon's Seal Sawfly
A small, entirely black sawfly whose grayish-white larvae with black heads are highly destructive to Solomon's seal plants. Larvae feed from the leaf edges inward.
Did You Know?
The larvae are so well camouflaged against the undersides of Solomon's seal leaves that gardeners often only notice them after severe damage is done.
European Firebug
A strikingly patterned red and black bug that forms large aggregations at the base of linden trees. It is one of the most recognizable insects in Europe. The bold aposematic coloration warns predators of its unpleasant taste.
Did You Know?
It was one of the first insects in which scientists discovered that the gut microbiome is essential, as germ-free individuals show stunted growth and high mortality.