South American Eucalyptus Sawfly vs European Oil Bee

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute South American Eucalyptus Sawfly European Oil Bee
Scientific Name Lophyrotoma zonalis Macropis europaea
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Pergidae Melittidae
Size 10-14 mm 9-12 mm
Habitat Farmland Rivers & Streams
Diet Herbivores Nectar Feeders
Regions Australia, invasive in South America Europe, Western Asia
Conservation Least Concern Near Threatened

South American Eucalyptus Sawfly

A dark-bodied pergid sawfly that has become a significant pest of eucalyptus plantations in South America. Larvae are gregarious and can cause severe defoliation.

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Did You Know?

This Australian native became a major pest after eucalyptus was widely planted in South America, far from its natural enemies.

European Oil Bee

One of only two Northern Hemisphere bees that collect floral oils instead of nectar as a food provision. It collects oils from yellow loosestrife flowers.

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Did You Know?

It mixes collected floral oil with pollen to create a waterproof, long-lasting larval food that resists mold in its damp underground nests.