Dorcatoma
Herbst, 1791
Species Guides
3Dorcatoma is a of small beetles in the Ptinidae (formerly Anobiidae), comprising more than 70 distributed across temperate regions worldwide but absent from tropical areas. and larvae are closely associated with dead wood, particularly wood softened and decomposed by fungi. Several species have been documented developing within the fruiting bodies of bracket fungi.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Dorcatoma: /dɔrkaˈtoːma/
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Identification
Members of this are distinguished from similar Ptinidae by their association with fungal-decayed wood and bracket fungi rather than dry wood or stored products. Specific identification to level requires examination of subtle morphological characters including antennal structure, pronotal shape, and male genitalia.
Images
Habitat
Dead wood, particularly wood that has been softened and decomposed by fungi; also recorded from fruiting bodies of bracket fungi.
Distribution
Temperate regions worldwide, excluding tropical areas. Documented from Europe (including Estonia, Denmark, Norway, Sweden), North America (including Vermont, USA), and other temperate zones.
Host Associations
- bracket fungi - breeding substrateLarvae develop within fruiting bodies
Similar Taxa
- other Ptinidae generaDorcatoma is distinguished by its specific association with fungal-decayed wood and bracket fungi, whereas many related inhabit dry wood, bark, or stored products.