Ironclad Beetle vs Common Barklouse
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Ironclad Beetle | Common Barklouse |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Phloeodes diabolicus | Cerastipsocus venosus |
| Order | Coleoptera | Psocoptera |
| Family | Zopheridae | Psocidae |
| Size | 15-25 mm | 4.0-6.0 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Woodlands |
| Diet | Wood Feeders | Wood Feeders |
| Regions | North America | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
Ironclad Beetle
Has one of the toughest exoskeletons of any insect — it can withstand forces 39,000 times its body weight. Even entomological pins bend when trying to pierce its shell.
Did You Know?
This beetle is nearly indestructible — its exoskeleton can withstand being run over by a car. Engineers studied its shell design to develop stronger aircraft joints.
Common Barklouse
A large winged barklouse found in herds on tree trunks in eastern North America. It has prominent veined wings and feeds on algae and lichens.
Did You Know?
These barklice form conspicuous herds of up to several hundred individuals that march across tree trunks in unison.