Animal Species:Steel-blue sawflies
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.
Steel-blue sawfly larva
© Australian Museum
Alternative Name/s
Spitfires
Size range
4 mm - 18 mm
Distribution
The Steel-blue Sawfly is found in south-eastern Australia.
Habitat
The Steel-blue Sawfly lives in urban areas, forests and woodlands.
Feeding and Diet
Steel-blue Sawfly larvae in the Sydney area feed on eucalypts.
Economic/social impacts
The Steel-blue Sawfly can sometimes cause extensive damage to trees.
Classification
- Genus:
- Perga
- Subfamily:
- Perginae
- Family:
- Pergidae
- Superfamily:
- Tenthredinoidea
- Suborder:
- Symphyta
- Order:
- Hymenoptera
- Class:
- Insecta
- Subphylum:
- Uniramia
- Phylum:
- Arthopoda
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
Last Updated:
Tags sawfly, sawflies, insects, arthropods, invertebrates, identification, wildlife of sydney,