Cryptophagus

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Cryptophagus: /krɪpˈtɒfəɡəs/

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Summary

Cryptophagus is a genus of beetles in the family Cryptophagidae, known as silken fungus beetles. They are primarily fungivorous and are often associated with damp, moldy environments, sometimes leading to their classification as pests in stored food products.

Physical Characteristics

Flattened, oval shape; generally 2 to 3 millimeters long; reddish to dark brown with possible yellowish patterns; thorax often sculptured with teeth or angles; larvae yellow-brown, cylindrical but flattened, with visible legs.

Identification Tips

Tarsi sexually dimorphic; females have a tarsi ratio of 5-5-5, while males have a ratio of 5-5-4.

Habitat

Common in habitats where fungi are available, including stored grain, damp and moldy products, beehives, nests of hymenopterans, rodent nests, and wool.

Distribution

Distributed across all the biogeographic realms of the world, with species common in North America and specifically in the grain-producing prairie regions of Canada.

Diet

Fungivores, feeding on fungal spores and hyphae, rather than the products themselves.

Life Cycle

Breeding occurs in fungi; females lay eggs in the hyphae of fungi.

Reproduction

Eggs are laid in the hyphae of fungi, and larvae develop feeding on the fungus.

Ecosystem Role

Play a role in the decomposition of organic matter by breaking down fungal resources.

Economic Impact

Some species are pests in stored grain, flour, bread, and dried fruits; they can damage products by promoting mold growth.

Misconceptions

Some believe these beetles feed on the products themselves, but they actually feed on fungi growing on these products.

Tags

• beetles
• fungivores
• pests
• grain stores
• Cryptophagidae