Cypherotylus californicus

(Lacordaire, 1842)

blue fungus beetle, blue pleasing fungus beetle

A -sized ( ) with distinctive marked with black spots, found in western North America. measure 14–18 mm in length. The elytral coloration fades from bright blue to grayish as individuals age. The completes its in a single year, with adults active from spring through fall.

Cypherotylus californicus by (c) Katja Schulz, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.Cypherotylus californicus by (c) Katja Schulz, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.Cypherotylus californicus by (c) Katja Schulz, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Cypherotylus californicus: //ˌsaɪfəˈrɒtɪləs ˌkælɪˈfɔrnɪkəs//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Distinguished from other western by the combination of bright with black spots and relatively large size (14–18 mm). The blue coloration distinguishes it from the similar Gibbifer californicus (a synonym), which shares the same color pattern. The elytra fade to gray with age, which may cause confusion with other gray-colored erotylids; fresh specimens are needed for reliable identification.

Images

Habitat

Associated with fungal growth on logs and trees in forested and woodland environments.

Distribution

Western North America: recorded from Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, California, and Kansas in the United States, and the Mexican state of Sonora.

Seasonality

active from spring through late summer and early fall. laid in late summer and early fall; present in spring, occurs in summer.

Diet

Feeds on growing on logs and trees.

Life Cycle

(one per year). hatch in spring; develop through spring and early summer, pupating in summer. emerge and are active from late spring through fall, mating and laying eggs in late summer and early fall.

Behavior

are attracted to light at night and have been observed on tree trunks after dark.

Ecological Role

Fungivore; contributes to decomposition of wood-inhabiting .

Similar Taxa

  • Gibbifer californicusSynonym; same , formerly placed in Gibbifer
  • Other Erotylidae speciesSimilar body form and -feeding ; distinguished by color pattern and size

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