Silken Fungus Beetle vs Carolina Walkingstick

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Silken Fungus Beetle Carolina Walkingstick
Scientific Name Cryptophagus lycoperdi Diapheromera carolina
Order Coleoptera Phasmatodea
Family Cryptophagidae Diapheromeridae
Size 2-3 mm 6-9 cm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Fungus Feeders Herbivores
Regions Europe United States (Southeastern)
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Silken Fungus Beetle

A tiny beetle found inside puffball fungi and in moldy grain stores. Covered in fine silky hairs. Part of a poorly-known beetle family that feeds on fungal spores and molds.

💡

Did You Know?

So tiny and hidden inside puffball fungi that it is almost never seen despite being common.

Carolina Walkingstick

A walkingstick found in the southeastern United States, closely related to the northern walkingstick. It prefers warmer, more humid habitats.

💡

Did You Know?

It is sometimes difficult to distinguish from Diapheromera femorata without examining genitalic structures.