Mycetophagus

Fabricius, 1792

hairy fungus beetles

Species Guides

Mycetophagus californicus(hairy fungus beetle)
Mycetophagus didesmus
Mycetophagus distinctus(hairy fungus beetle)
Mycetophagus flexuosus(hairy fungus beetle)
Mycetophagus fulvicollis
Mycetophagus melsheimeri(hairy fungus beetle)
Mycetophagus obsoletus(hairy fungus beetle)
Mycetophagus pini
Mycetophagus pluriguttatus(hairy fungus beetle)

Mycetophagus is a of hairy fungus beetles comprising at least 20 described . Members of this genus are associated with fungal substrates, particularly wood-decaying fungi and mushrooms. The genus has taxonomic priority attributed to Fabricius (1792), though authorship has been historically disputed with Hellwig (1792). Species in this genus serve as for specialized mites.

Mycetophagus fulvicollis by (c) Michael Knapp, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Michael Knapp. Used under a CC-BY license.

Mycetophagus serrulatus by (c) Justin Williams, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Justin Williams. Used under a CC-BY license.

Mycetophagus punctatus by no rights reserved, uploaded by Chrissy McClarren and Andy Reago. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Mycetophagus: /maɪˈsiːtəˌfægəs/

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

Images

Habitat

Associated with fungal substrates including wood-decaying fungi and mushrooms; at least one (M. quadripustulatus) has been observed on tree boughs feeding on oyster mushrooms.

Distribution

Records from Denmark, Norway, Vermont (USA), and Iran (Mazandaran province).

Diet

Fungi; M. quadripustulatus has been observed grazing on oyster mushrooms.

Ecological Role

for mites ( Acarophenacidae); contributes to fungal decomposition and nutrient cycling.