Leiodinae

Fleming, 1821

round fungus beetles

Tribe Guides

5

Leiodinae is a large of round fungus beetles ( Leiodidae) comprising over 60 and more than 1,800 described . The subfamily exhibits diverse feeding strategies ranging from general saprophagy to obligate mycophagy on subterranean fungi. Members are predominantly small, compact beetles with varied associations including forest litter, sandy substrates, and specialized subterranean environments.

Leiodes by (c) Sascha Nunheim, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Sascha Nunheim. Used under a CC-BY license.Leiodes rufipes by no rights reserved, uploaded by Nick Bédard. Used under a CC0 license.Leiodes neglecta by no rights reserved, uploaded by Nick Bédard. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Leiodinae: /laɪ.oʊˈdaɪniː/

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Images

Habitat

vary by tribe and : northern and mountain forests, sandy substrates, and subterranean environments associated with fungal fruiting bodies. Some are strictly endogean (underground), inhabiting soil around truffle species and other hypogeous fungi.

Distribution

Holarctic distribution with extensions into northern Neotropical, Oriental regions, and South Africa. North and Central American fauna includes tribes Sogdini and Scotocryptini.

Diet

Feeding strategies range from general saprophagy to obligate mycophagy. Some are specialized fungivores on subterranean fungi, including fruiting bodies of Tuber (truffle) species.

Sources and further reading