Willow Sawfly vs Tropical Fire Ant

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Willow Sawfly Tropical Fire Ant
Scientific Name Nematus salicis Solenopsis geminata
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Tenthredinidae Formicidae
Size 7-9 mm (adult) 2-6 mm
Habitat Wetlands Grasslands
Diet Herbivores Seed Feeders
Regions Europe Pantropical
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.

Tropical Fire Ant

A pantropical fire ant with large-headed major workers specialized for seed milling. It is one of the oldest known invasive ant species, spread globally through colonial trade routes.

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Did You Know?

It was likely transported around the world in soil ballast of Spanish galleons during the 16th century.