Woolly Alder Sawfly vs Arctic Tiger Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Woolly Alder Sawfly | Arctic Tiger Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Eriocampa ovata | Grammia quenseli |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Tenthredinidae | Erebidae |
| Size | 5-7 mm | 34-44 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Tundra & Arctic |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe, introduced to North America | Scandinavia, Arctic Russia, Alaska, northern Canada, alpine Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Woolly Alder Sawfly
A small, dark sawfly whose larvae are covered in a white, woolly, waxy secretion. The larvae feed on the underside of alder leaves.
Did You Know?
The white waxy covering on the larva closely resembles woolly aphids, a possible case of defensive mimicry.
Arctic Tiger Moth
A striking moth with black and cream striped forewings and orange-red hindwings with black spots. The hairy caterpillar is black with reddish bands. Adults are active during the brief Arctic and alpine summer.
Did You Know?
The caterpillar's dark coloration allows it to bask in the sun and raise its body temperature well above the ambient Arctic air temperature.