Silken Fungus Beetle vs Darling Underwing
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Silken Fungus Beetle | Darling Underwing |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cryptophagus lycoperdi | Catocala cara |
| Order | Coleoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Cryptophagidae | Erebidae |
| Size | 2-3 mm | 75-90 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Woodlands |
| Diet | Fungus Feeders | Sap Feeders |
| Regions | Europe | Eastern North America from Canada to the southeastern United States |
| 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.
Darling Underwing
A large underwing moth with cryptic gray-brown forewings and striking pinkish-red hindwings banded with black. It is commonly attracted to sugaring baits.
Did You Know?
Its Latin name cara means 'darling' or 'beloved,' referencing the beautiful pink hindwings hidden under its bark-like forewings.