South African Argid Sawfly vs Small Magpie Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute South African Argid Sawfly Small Magpie Moth
Scientific Name Arge capensis Anania hortulata
Order Hymenoptera Lepidoptera
Family Argidae Crambidae
Size 7-10 mm 26-30 mm wingspan
Habitat Heathland Underground
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Southern Africa Europe, Western Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

South African Argid Sawfly

A medium-sized dark sawfly found in the fynbos and bushveld regions of South Africa. Adults have robust bodies and simple, three-segmented antennae typical of argids.

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Did You Know?

The Argidae is one of the few sawfly families with significant diversity in sub-Saharan Africa, where most other sawfly families are poorly represented.

Small Magpie Moth

A pretty white moth with black spots and a yellow head. Despite its name, it is a crambid rather than a geometrid like the true Magpie Moth.

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Did You Know?

The caterpillar lives inside a rolled leaf shelter that it spins shut with silk.