Dustywing vs Tellkampf's Cave Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Dustywing | Tellkampf's Cave Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Coniopteryx tineiformis | Neaphaenops tellkampfi |
| Order | Neuroptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Coniopterygidae | Carabidae |
| Size | 3-5 mm | 5-7 mm |
| Habitat | Orchards | Caves |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Europe, Asia | United States |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Vulnerable |
Dustywing
A tiny moth-like lacewing covered in a white waxy powder that gives it a dusty appearance. It is an important predator of mites and scale insects on trees.
Did You Know?
Dustywings are the smallest of all neuropterans and are often overlooked because they resemble tiny moths.
Tellkampf's Cave Beetle
A predatory blind cave beetle endemic to Kentucky's Mammoth Cave region. It feeds primarily on eggs of cave crickets.
Did You Know?
It tracks down cave cricket eggs buried in sandy cave floors using chemical cues.