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Dusky Birch Sawfly

Croesus latitarsus

About Dusky Birch Sawfly

A medium-sized sawfly with an orange abdomen and black head and thorax. Larvae are yellowish-green with dark spots and feed in rows along the edges of birch leaves.

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Did You Know?

The larvae feed in a distinctive edge-to-edge pattern, consuming the leaf blade while leaving the midrib intact like a fishbone.

How to Identify Dusky Birch Sawfly

Dusky Birch Sawfly (Croesus latitarsus) belongs to the order Hymenoptera, family Tenthredinidae. Adults typically measure 8-10 mm.

Dusky Birch Sawfly Habitat

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

Dusky Birch Sawfly Diet and Feeding

Dusky Birch 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 Dusky Birch Sawfly Found?

Dusky Birch Sawfly can be found in North America, where it inhabits woodlands environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.

Distribution Map

Where Dusky Birch Sawfly can be found

Is Dusky Birch Sawfly Dangerous?

Dusky Birch 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.

Dusky Birch Sawfly Role in Nature

Dusky Birch 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

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Peak activity Moderate Low / dormant

Frequently Asked Questions About Dusky Birch Sawfly

What does Dusky Birch Sawfly look like?

The Dusky Birch Sawfly typically measures 8-10 mm.

Where is Dusky Birch Sawfly found?

The Dusky Birch Sawfly is found in North America and typically inhabits woodlands environments.

What does Dusky Birch Sawfly eat?

The Dusky Birch Sawfly feeds on plant material including leaves, stems, and other vegetation.

Is Dusky Birch Sawfly dangerous to humans?

The Dusky Birch 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 Dusky Birch Sawfly?

The larvae feed in a distinctive edge-to-edge pattern, consuming the leaf blade while leaving the midrib intact like a fishbone.

Cite This Page

APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Dusky Birch Sawfly (Croesus latitarsus). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/dusky-birch-sawfly

MLA:
"Dusky Birch Sawfly." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/dusky-birch-sawfly.