Willow Sawfly vs Black Leafcutter Ant

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Willow Sawfly Black Leafcutter Ant
Scientific Name Nematus salicis Acromyrmex lobicornis
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Tenthredinidae Formicidae
Size 7-9 mm (adult) 3-9 mm
Habitat Wetlands Heathland
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Europe Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Willow Sawfly

A defoliator of willows across Europe found in wetlands and riparian areas. Larvae feed gregariously on willow leaves from May to autumn.

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Did You Know?

Multiple overlapping generations allow continuous feeding pressure throughout the growing season.

Black Leafcutter Ant

A cold-tolerant leafcutter ant that builds conspicuous mound nests from vegetation debris. Workers are dark brown to black with prominent thoracic spines. This species can survive in temperate climates unusual for leafcutters.

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Did You Know?

They are the most cold-tolerant leafcutter ants, surviving in regions where winter temperatures drop below freezing.