Steel-blue sawflies
Alternative name/s:
Spitfires
Spitfires
Click to enlarge image
Steel-blue sawfly larva, spitfires
Image: unknown
© Australian Museum
© Australian Museum
Fast Facts
-
Classification
- Genus
- Perga
- Subfamily
- Perginae
- Family
- Pergidae
- Super Family
- Tenthredinoidea
- Suborder
- Symphyta
- Order
- Hymenoptera
- Class
- Insecta
- Subphylum
- Uniramia
- Phylum
- Arthopoda
- Kingdom
- Animalia
-
- Size Range
- 4 mm - 18 mm
Introduction
Steel-blue Sawfly larvae are also known as 'spitfires' as they can eject an irritating fluid from their mouth. This defence method ensures predators avoid them, enabling them to reach high numbers.
Habitat
The Steel-blue Sawfly lives in urban areas, forests and woodlands.
Distribution
The Steel-blue Sawfly is found in south-eastern Australia.
Distribution data sourced from the Atlas of Living Australia
Feeding and diet
Steel-blue Sawfly larvae in the Sydney area feed on eucalypts.
Economic impacts
The Steel-blue Sawfly can sometimes cause extensive damage to trees.
