Solomon's Seal Sawfly vs European Velvet Ant
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Solomon's Seal Sawfly | European Velvet Ant |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Phymatocera aterrima | Mutilla europaea |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Tenthredinidae | Mutillidae |
| Size | 8-10 mm | 10-15 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Heathland |
| Diet | Herbivores | Parasitoids |
| Regions | Europe | Europe |
| 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 Velvet Ant
A robust wingless wasp with black and orange-red banding and dense velvety hair. Females enter bumblebee nests to lay eggs on their pupae.
Did You Know?
It is one of the few insects that specifically targets bumblebee nests, sneaking in while the colony is less active.