Anisotoma blanchardi
(Horn, 1880)
round fungus beetle
Anisotoma blanchardi is a small round fungus beetle in the Leiodidae, first described by Horn in 1880. The is broadly distributed across eastern and central North America, with records spanning from Canada to the southern United States. It has been documented feeding on slime molds, specifically Lycogala epidendrum and multiple Stemonitis species.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Anisotoma blanchardi: //ˌænɪˈsɒtoʊmə ˈblæŋkədi//
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Distribution
Eastern and central North America: Canada (Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec) and United States (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, New Hampshire, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Vermont).
Diet
Feeds on slime molds (Myxogastria): specifically documented consuming Lycogala epidendrum and multiple of Stemonitis.
Ecological Role
Specialized consumer of slime molds, contributing to decomposition and nutrient cycling in forest .