Xyelid Pine Bud Sawfly vs Balkan Goldenring

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Xyelid Pine Bud Sawfly Balkan Goldenring
Scientific Name Xyela minor Cordulegaster heros
Order Hymenoptera Odonata
Family Xyelidae Cordulegastridae
Size 3-4 mm 85-97 mm
Habitat Forests Forests
Diet Pollen Feeders Omnivores
Regions North America Europe
Conservation Least Concern Near Threatened

Xyelid Pine Bud Sawfly

A tiny sawfly with the characteristic elongated third antennal segment of its ancient family. Adults emerge in early spring to coincide with pine pollen release.

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Did You Know?

Xyelid sawflies time their adult emergence precisely to the few weeks when pine male cones are shedding pollen, their larvae's only food source.

Balkan Goldenring

The largest dragonfly in Europe, reaching nearly 100 mm in length. It is restricted to clean forest streams in southeastern Europe.

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Did You Know?

At nearly 100 mm, it holds the record as the largest dragonfly species in Europe.