Solomon's Seal Sawfly vs Parasitic Wood Wasp
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Solomon's Seal Sawfly | Parasitic Wood Wasp |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Phymatocera aterrima | Orussus abietinus |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Tenthredinidae | Orussidae |
| Size | 8-10 mm | 8-14 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Woodlands |
| Diet | Herbivores | Parasitoids |
| Regions | Europe | Europe, Western Asia |
| 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.
Parasitic Wood Wasp
A small, dark-bodied wasp-like insect with a flattened head and short antennae inserted below the eyes. It is among the most primitive parasitoid Hymenoptera.
Did You Know?
Orussidae are considered the evolutionary link between sawflies and parasitoid wasps, making them key to understanding Hymenoptera evolution.