Woolly Alder Sawfly vs Thistledown Velvet Ant
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Woolly Alder Sawfly | Thistledown Velvet Ant |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Eriocampa ovata | Dasymutilla gloriosa |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Tenthredinidae | Mutillidae |
| Size | 5-7 mm | 12-20 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Herbivores | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, introduced to North America | Southwestern United States from California to Texas |
| 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.
Thistledown Velvet Ant
A strikingly beautiful velvet ant covered in long white hair that resembles a piece of thistledown blowing across desert sand. The wingless females are a remarkable mimic of windblown plant material.
Did You Know?
Its white fluffy appearance camouflages it among the creosote seed pods and dried plant debris of its desert habitat.