South American Eucalyptus Sawfly vs Spine-Tailed Earwig

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute South American Eucalyptus Sawfly Spine-Tailed Earwig
Scientific Name Lophyrotoma zonalis Doru aculeatum
Order Hymenoptera Dermaptera
Family Pergidae Forficulidae
Size 10-14 mm 10-14 mm
Habitat Farmland Farmland
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Australia, invasive in South America North America
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.

Spine-Tailed Earwig

A slender earwig found in cornfields and grassy habitats across eastern North America. It shelters in the leaf whorls of corn and other tall grasses.

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Did You Know?

Farmers consider this earwig beneficial because it preys heavily on corn earworm eggs and aphids in crop fields.