Woolly Alder Sawfly vs Dark Rover Ant

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Woolly Alder Sawfly Dark Rover Ant
Scientific Name Eriocampa ovata Brachymyrmex patagonicus
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Tenthredinidae Formicidae
Size 5-7 mm 1.5-2 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Underground
Diet Herbivores Omnivores
Regions Europe, introduced to North America South America, Southern United States
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.

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Did You Know?

The white waxy covering on the larva closely resembles woolly aphids, a possible case of defensive mimicry.

Dark Rover Ant

A tiny dark brown ant that has rapidly spread across the southern United States as an invasive species. It is attracted to electrical equipment and frequently enters buildings.

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Did You Know?

They are so small that entire colonies can nest inside electrical junction boxes and wall outlets.