Wheat Stem Sawfly vs Delta-spotted Spiketail

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Wheat Stem Sawfly Delta-spotted Spiketail
Scientific Name Cephus cinctus Cordulegaster diastatops
Order Hymenoptera Odonata
Family Cephidae Cordulegastridae
Size 8-13 mm (adult) 70-78 mm
Habitat Deserts & Drylands Forests
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions North America North America
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Wheat Stem Sawfly

A major pest of wheat and barley on the northern Great Plains of North America. Larvae bore inside stems, weakening them and causing lodging.

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Did You Know?

Larvae girdle the stem base before pupating, causing the stem to fall over at harvest.

Delta-spotted Spiketail

A large spiketail of eastern North America with distinctive triangular yellow spots along its dark abdomen. It patrols forest streams with a slow, deliberate flight.

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Did You Know?

The triangular or delta-shaped abdominal spots give this impressive spiketail its common name.