Woolly Alder Sawfly vs Mitchell's Diurnal Cockroach

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Woolly Alder Sawfly Mitchell's Diurnal Cockroach
Scientific Name Eriocampa ovata Polyzosteria mitchelli
Order Hymenoptera Blattodea
Family Tenthredinidae Blattidae
Size 5-7 mm 30-40 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Deserts & Drylands
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Europe, introduced to North America Australia
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.

Mitchell's Diurnal Cockroach

A large, flightless cockroach with a shiny dark blue-black body found in arid Australia. Unlike most cockroaches, it is active during the day.

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Did You Know?

Its bold daytime activity is thought to be possible because its dark, hard body deters predators.