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Australian Satin Sawfly

Perga lewisi

About Australian Satin Sawfly

A large Australian sawfly with a satiny dark blue-black body. Larvae are robust and feed in clusters on eucalyptus foliage.

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Did You Know?

The larvae tap their bodies rhythmically against the branch when disturbed, producing vibrations that may alert other larvae in the colony.

How to Identify Australian Satin Sawfly

Australian Satin Sawfly (Perga lewisi) belongs to the order Hymenoptera, family Pergidae. Adults typically measure 14-20 mm.

Australian Satin Sawfly Habitat

Australian Satin Sawfly is found in woodlands habitats, particularly across Australia. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.

Australian Satin Sawfly Diet and Feeding

Australian Satin Sawfly is a herbivore, feeding on plant material including leaves, stems, flowers, and other vegetation. Herbivorous insects play a significant role in ecosystems by influencing plant growth and serving as a food source for predators.

Where Is Australian Satin Sawfly Found?

Australian Satin Sawfly can be found in Australia, where it inhabits woodlands environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.

Distribution Map

Where Australian Satin Sawfly can be found

Is Australian Satin Sawfly Dangerous?

Australian Satin Sawfly belongs to the order Hymenoptera, which includes many stinging insects. While not typically aggressive, it may sting if threatened or handled. Stings can cause pain and swelling, and in rare cases may trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Australian Satin Sawfly Role in Nature

Australian Satin Sawfly is part of the food web as a primary consumer, feeding on plant material. It serves as an important food source for birds, bats, amphibians, and other insectivores, connecting plant energy to higher trophic levels.

Seasonal Activity

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Peak activity Moderate Low / dormant

Frequently Asked Questions About Australian Satin Sawfly

What does Australian Satin Sawfly look like?

The Australian Satin Sawfly typically measures 14-20 mm.

Where is Australian Satin Sawfly found?

The Australian Satin Sawfly is found in Australia and typically inhabits woodlands environments.

What does Australian Satin Sawfly eat?

The Australian Satin Sawfly feeds on plant material including leaves, stems, and other vegetation.

Is Australian Satin Sawfly dangerous to humans?

The Australian Satin Sawfly belongs to the order Hymenoptera, which includes stinging insects. While not typically aggressive, it may sting if threatened or handled.

What is an interesting fact about Australian Satin Sawfly?

The larvae tap their bodies rhythmically against the branch when disturbed, producing vibrations that may alert other larvae in the colony.

Cite This Page

APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Australian Satin Sawfly (Perga lewisi). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/australian-satin-sawfly

MLA:
"Australian Satin Sawfly." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/australian-satin-sawfly.