Dark-stigma Snakefly vs Australian Satin Sawfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Dark-stigma Snakefly Australian Satin Sawfly
Scientific Name Phaeostigma notata Perga lewisi
Order Raphidioptera Hymenoptera
Family Raphidiidae Pergidae
Size 12-15 mm body 14-20 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Predators Herbivores
Regions Europe Australia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Dark-stigma Snakefly

A primitive predatory insect with an elongated prothorax giving it a snake-like neck. Found on tree trunks in woodland. Both adults and larvae prey on small insects.

💡

Did You Know?

Snakeflies are living fossils with a body plan virtually unchanged for over 140 million years.

Australian Satin Sawfly

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

💡

Did You Know?

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