What is the Difference Between Sawfly Larvae and Caterpillars?

Sawfly larvae and caterpillars may look similar, but they have some differences that can help distinguish them:

1. Prolegs: The main difference between sawfly larvae and caterpillars is the number of prolegs on their abdomen. Caterpillars have two to five pairs of prolegs, while sawfly larvae have six or more pairs.
2. Size: Sawfly larvae are smooth with little or no hair and are no more than one inch long when fully grown. On the other hand, moth and butterfly caterpillars can be smooth, hairy, or spiny, and vary in size when mature, often being larger than one inch long.
3. Habit: Sawfly larvae tend to feed gregariously, in non-social groups, while caterpillars may feed independently or in groups.
4. Adult Forms: Apart from the larval stage, the adult forms of sawflies are non-stinging wasp-like insects, whereas caterpillars turn into butterflies or moths.

Remembering the number of prolegs can be helpful in distinguishing between sawfly larvae and caterpillars: caterpillars have the same number or fewer pairs of abdominal prolegs as the fingers on your hand, while sawfly larvae have more pairs of abdominal prolegs than the fingers on your hand.

Comparative Table: Sawfly Larvae vs Caterpillars

Here is a table comparing the differences between sawfly larvae and caterpillars:

Sawfly larvae have six or more pairs of prolegs, no hairs on their feet, and become wasps or bees in their adult form. Caterpillars, on the other hand, have five or fewer pairs of prolegs and do have hairs on their feet. They develop into moths or butterflies in their adult stage. Additionally, the number and arrangement of eyes can be different between the two.