Dry Fork Valley Cave Beetle vs North American Spongillafly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Dry Fork Valley Cave Beetle North American Spongillafly
Scientific Name Pseudanophthalmus montanus Climacia areolaris
Order Coleoptera Neuroptera
Family Carabidae Sisyridae
Size 4-5 mm 6-10 mm wingspan
Habitat Caves Ponds & Lakes
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions United States Eastern North America
Conservation Endangered Least Concern

Dry Fork Valley Cave Beetle

A cave-obligate beetle from the Dry Fork Valley region of West Virginia. Like all members of its genus, it is completely eyeless.

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Did You Know?

It can only survive in the constant-temperature deep zones of caves.

North American Spongillafly

A small spongillafly found across eastern North America near fresh water. Its larvae feed on freshwater sponges attached to submerged rocks and logs.

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Did You Know?

Larvae pupate on land inside double-walled cocoons after crawling out of the water.