Solomon's Seal Sawfly vs Mexican Kissing Bug
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Solomon's Seal Sawfly | Mexican Kissing Bug |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Phymatocera aterrima | Triatoma dimidiata |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Tenthredinidae | Reduviidae |
| Size | 8-10 mm | 24-32 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Underground |
| Diet | Herbivores | Blood Feeders |
| Regions | Europe | Mexico, Central America, Colombia, Ecuador |
| 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.
Mexican Kissing Bug
A major Chagas disease vector in Central America and Mexico found in both domestic and peridomestic habitats. Adults are attracted to lights and can fly into homes.
Did You Know?
It is one of the few triatomine species that regularly invades homes by flying toward artificial lights.