Orchesia

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Suborder: Polyphaga
Superfamily: Tenebrionoidea
Family: Melandryidae
Subfamily: Melandryinae
Tribe: Orchesiini
Genus: Orchesia

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Orchesia: /ɔrˈkiːziə/

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Images

Orchesia cultriformis 332194073 by Nick Bédard. Used under a CC0 license.

Orchesia cultriformis 332194076 by Nick Bédard. Used under a CC0 license.

Summary

Orchesia is a genus of false darkling beetles in the family Melandryidae, comprised of about 19 species, primarily described within the nominate subgenus. These beetles engage in mycophagy and are distributed across North America and Eurasia.

Habitat

Much of North America (from Northern Territories to Florida and Texas) and Eurasia.

Distribution

North America and Eurasia

Diet

Mycophagous, known to feed on fungi including Inonotus obliquus.

Ecosystem Role

Role in decomposition due to feeding on fungi.

Economic Impact

Potential impact related to interactions with Chaga fungus.