Black Fungus Beetle
Alphitobius laevigatus
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Coleoptera
- Suborder: Polyphaga
- Superfamily: Tenebrionoidea
- Family: Tenebrionidae
- Subfamily: Tenebrioninae
- Tribe: Alphitobiini
- Genus: Alphitobius
- Species: laevigatus
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Alphitobius laevigatus: /ælˈfɪtoʊˌbaɪəs liːvɪˈɡeɪtəs/
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Summary
Alphitobius laevigatus, known as the black fungus beetle, is a darkling beetle in the Tenebrionidae family, primarily found in Europe and North America and associated with moldy conditions.
Physical Characteristics
Size 5.0-6.6 mm. Eye more deeply incised; pronotum more convex with rounded lateral margins and complete basal bead.
Identification Tips
Unlike Alphitobius diaperinus, has distinct eye incision and pronotum shape.
Habitat
Thrives in damp and moldy conditions; also found on fungi in logs in the wild.
Distribution
Cosmopolitan with tropical origin; found in eastern half of the US (from Connecticut to Florida and Wisconsin to Texas), California, and southern Ontario.
Diet
Infests flour, bread, and maize; larvae are general feeders.
Life Cycle
Adult and larva are general feeders; can be bred in large quantities for feed.
Ecosystem Role
Inhabits decaying material and contributes to nutrient cycling.
Economic Impact
Commonly bred for use as feed for captive birds, reptiles, and amphibians; larvae marketed as buffalo worms.
Cultural Significance
Larvae often marketed under the trade name buffalo worms, causing confusion with Alphitobius diaperinus.
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
Often confused with Alphitobius diaperinus; not used for human consumption.
Tags
- Coleoptera
- Beetles
- Insects
- Tenebrionidae
- Fungus Beetles