Polypore Fungus Beetles
Tetratomidae
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Coleoptera
- Suborder: Polyphaga
- Superfamily: Tenebrionoidea
- Family: Tetratomidae
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Tetratomidae: //tɛtrəˈtɒmɪdiː//
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Summary
Tetratomidae, known as polypore fungus beetles, is a small family of beetles found primarily in forested areas worldwide, feeding on fungi.
Physical Characteristics
Small beetles with a typical elongated body shape, often brown to black in color.
Identification Tips
Look for beetles under fungus-grown bark or on soft shelf fungi; they may be confused with other beetle families.
Habitat
Forested areas, typically found under fungus-grown bark and within softer shelf fungi.
Distribution
Worldwide, with about 26 species in 10 genera north of Mexico and approximately 155 species in 13 genera globally.
Diet
Adults and larvae primarily feed on the fruiting bodies of hymenomycete fungi, especially from the families Polyporaceae and Tricholomataceae.
Life Cycle
Life cycle stages include egg, larva, pupa, and adult; larvae bore into fungus.
Reproduction
Details on mating behavior and egg-laying sites are not specified but are generally associated with their fungal habitat.
Ecosystem Role
Plays a role in the decomposition of wood and fungi as they feed on decomposing fungi, contributing to nutrient cycling.
Collecting Methods
- Hand collecting from under bark
- Using light traps near wood and fungi
Preservation Methods
- Dried specimens in pinned collections
- Alcohol preservation for larvae
Evolution
Previously classified under family Melandryidae; evolution reflects dietary specialization on fungi.
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
Often misidentified as other beetles due to their small size and habitat.
Tags
- Tetratomidae
- Polypore Fungus Beetles
- Coleoptera
- Beetle Family