Perga sp. 1 (larvae)

Unknown.

Unknown.

These sawfly larvae are each approximately 50 millimetres long.

These are the larvae of a sawfly, a wasp-like insect.

The larvae group together during the day for protection. If disturbed, the group rears up in unison and exude a yellowish liquid.

During the night the group separates and the larvae climb into the branches to eat leaves. They usually eat, and therefore can be found in, Eucalyptus trees.

The name sawfly originates from the adult female’s behaviour of using her serrated ovipositor to cut a slit in a tree in which she lays her eggs.

Identification courtesy of David Knowles.

Backyard Insects. Paul Horne & Denis Crawford. 2006

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