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Sawfly Larva

Family: Pergidae

Photo by Leuba Ridgway
Published on Project Noah
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Field Notes

Description:

Possibly a larva of some kind. About 4 cms long with apparently well formed head and eyes but could not detect any mouth parts. Robust thoracic segments with 3 pairs of well formed legs. Brown coloured soft body covered with sparse bristles.
Lower end of body was curled and tucked under.

Notes:

Found this clinging to a dried twig of a plant in a dry sclerophyll forest. It appeared to be nibbling on the twig- no other movement detected.

If anyone can identify this "larva", I would be delighted. Thanks

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (5)
Leuba Ridgway
Thanks martinL, knew you'd sort it out !. having looked at your reference and a few others, I agree it's a sawfly larva. The placement of the eyes, the cuticle texture, bristles and rings around the body all look like that of a Spitfire. Thanks again.
Mark Ridgway
Seems to suit martinl - head similar, 3 pairs of front legs only, hairs seem common on sawfly larvae... wonder what type though.
MartinL
Compare the head of the sawfly larva http://bugguide.net/node/view/320058/bgimage
Mark Ridgway
Bizarre thing? Maybe like a bag moth with no bag!? (not very pretty but I'm sure it's mother loves it)
Photographed
PublishedDecember 14, 2011

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