Featherwing Beetle

About Featherwing Beetle

The smallest known free-living (non-parasitic) insect at just 0.325 mm long. Discovered in Nicaragua in 1999, it feeds on spores of basidiomycete fungi in rotting wood.

How to Identify Featherwing Beetle

Featherwing Beetle (Scydosella musawasensis) belongs to the order Coleoptera, family Ptiliidae. Adults typically measure 0.325 mm.

Featherwing Beetle Habitat

Featherwing Beetle is found in woodlands habitats, particularly across Central America. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.

Featherwing Beetle Diet and Feeding

Featherwing Beetle feeds on fungi and moulds. Fungus-feeding insects help regulate fungal populations and contribute to decomposition processes.

Where Is Featherwing Beetle Found?

Featherwing Beetle can be found in Central America, where it inhabits woodlands environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.

Is Featherwing Beetle Dangerous?

Featherwing Beetle is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.

Featherwing Beetle Role in Nature

Featherwing Beetle plays a role in its ecosystem as part of the food web, serving as both consumer and prey. Insects like Featherwing Beetle are a vital food source for birds, bats, and other wildlife, and contribute to the overall health and balance of their environment.

Seasonal Activity