South American Eucalyptus Sawfly vs Ilex Hairstreak

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute South American Eucalyptus Sawfly Ilex Hairstreak
Scientific Name Lophyrotoma zonalis Satyrium ilicis
Order Hymenoptera Lepidoptera
Family Pergidae Lycaenidae
Size 10-14 mm 30-36 mm wingspan
Habitat Farmland Woodlands
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Australia, invasive in South America Southern and central Europe, western Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

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.

Ilex Hairstreak

A small dark brown butterfly with an orange band on the underside of its hindwings and a tiny tail projection. It is strongly associated with young oak growth and coppiced woodland.

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Did You Know?

Despite its name suggesting holly (ilex), it feeds exclusively on oak and was misidentified when first described.