South American Wattle Sawfly vs Swede Midge

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute South American Wattle Sawfly Swede Midge
Scientific Name Arge pullata Contarinia nasturtii
Order Hymenoptera Diptera
Family Argidae Cecidomyiidae
Size 7-10 mm 1.5-2 mm
Habitat Farmland Farmland
Diet Herbivores Gall Makers
Regions Southern Africa Europe, North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

South American Wattle Sawfly

A shiny black argid sawfly that feeds on wattle (Acacia) trees. Larvae are green with dark dorsal markings and can cause significant defoliation.

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Did You Know?

This species is one of the relatively few argid sawflies found in Africa, where the family is less diverse than in other continents.

Swede Midge

A minute yellowish-brown gall midge that attacks brassica crops by distorting growing points. Its tiny larvae feed inside developing buds, causing characteristic twisted and swollen growth.

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Did You Know?

It was first detected in North America in 2000 and has since become a major emerging pest of brassica crops.