Thistledown Velvet Ant vs Larch Sawfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Thistledown Velvet Ant | Larch Sawfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Dasymutilla gloriosa | Pristiphora erichsonii |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Mutillidae | Tenthredinidae |
| Size | 12-20 mm | 8-12 mm (adult) |
| Habitat | Deserts & Drylands | Forests |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Omnivores |
| Regions | Southwestern United States from California to Texas | North America, Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
Thistledown Velvet Ant
A strikingly beautiful velvet ant covered in long white hair that resembles a piece of thistledown blowing across desert sand. The wingless females are a remarkable mimic of windblown plant material.
Did You Know?
Its white fluffy appearance camouflages it among the creosote seed pods and dried plant debris of its desert habitat.
Larch Sawfly
The most important defoliator of larch in North America. Periodic outbreaks can last for years and cause significant growth reduction.
Did You Know?
Indigenous peoples used outbreaks as a calendar marker, as they occurred with notable regularity.