The shape and stringy, white extensions on this insect are somewhat reminiscent of a group of odd caterpillars in the Hag Moth family. This is actually a beetle larva, not a caterpillar. It does not get long or big, but its curious appearance may cause some to mistake it for a young caterpillar.
This beetle feeds on mealworms, another type of beetle larvae that have a worm-like body shape. Mealworms can be purchased and used to feed birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, and in some cultures, people. The Mealyworm Destroyer eats mealworms that it finds in nature. This larva can be found on the ground and also on plants where it seeks out aphids, a plant-sucking insect that multiplies at fast rates. ©CaterpillarIdentification.org
The map above showcases (in blue) the states and territories of North America where the Mealybug Destroyer Beetle Larva may be found (but is not limited to). This sort of data can be useful in seeing concentrations of a particular species over the continent as well as revealing possible migratory patterns over a species' given lifespan. Some species are naturally confined by environment, weather, mating habits, food resources and the like while others see widespread expansion across most, or all, of North America.*NOTE: States/Territories shown above are a general indicator of areas inhabited by the Mealybug Destroyer Beetle Larva. Insects generally go where they please, typically driven by diet, environmental changes, and / or mating habits.
