Fungus-associated
Guides
Abdera
Abdera is a genus of false darkling beetles (family Melandryidae) established by Stephens in 1832. The genus is found in northern Europe, with confirmed records from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. As a member of the family Melandryidae, Abdera species are associated with decaying wood and fungal habitats. The genus contains multiple species, though specific taxonomic boundaries and species counts require further verification.
Agathomyia pulchella
Agathomyia pulchella is a species of flat-footed fly in the family Platypezidae, described by Johnson in 1908. It belongs to a genus associated with fungus-feeding larvae that develop in polypore bracket fungi. The species is part of a small family of flies whose biology remains poorly documented relative to other dipteran groups.
Allognosta
Allognosta is a genus of soldier flies (family Stratiomyidae) established by Osten Sacken in 1883. Larval stages have been documented in the Palaearctic region, where they inhabit humus soil layers and fruit bodies of polyporus fungi. The genus belongs to the subfamily Beridinae.
Anthomyza variegata
Anthomyza variegata is a species of small fly in the family Anthomyzidae, a family of acalyptrate Diptera. The species was originally described by Loew in 1863 under the basionym Anthophilina variegata. Anthomyzid flies are generally associated with decaying plant matter and fungi. The specific epithet 'variegata' suggests variable or patterned coloration, though detailed morphological descriptions are sparse in available literature. The family Anthomyzidae is a small group of flies with limited ecological documentation.
Aphaenogaster tennesseensis
Tennessee Collared Ant, Tennessee Spine-waisted Ant
Aphaenogaster tennesseensis is a medium-sized ant species in the family Formicidae, commonly known as the Tennessee Collared Ant or Tennessee Spine-waisted Ant. It belongs to the genus Aphaenogaster, a diverse group of ants found primarily in temperate and subtropical regions. The species has been documented in the eastern United States, with records from Vermont and other states. Workers have been observed foraging on fungi and scavenging dead or injured insects.
Aradus depressus
pale-shouldered flatbug
Aradus depressus is a flat bug in the family Aradidae, the most common and widespread species in its genus. It occurs across the Palearctic from Ireland to Siberia, extending to the Caucasus Mountains in the southeast and reaching elevations up to 1,600 meters in the Alps. The species is strongly associated with hardwood trees colonized by fungi, particularly birch, and exhibits distinctive seasonal flight behavior in spring.
Astichus
Astichus is a genus of small parasitoid wasps in the family Eulophidae, subfamily Entiinae. Species are associated with bracket fungi and woody polypores, where they develop as endoparasitoids of Ciidae beetles (minute tree-fungus beetles). The genus was first described by Förster in 1856 and has been recorded from the Nearctic, Palearctic, and Afrotropical regions. South African species exhibit distinctive coloration and patterning that separates them from congeners in other regions.
Atomaria apicalis
silken fungus beetle
Atomaria apicalis is a species of silken fungus beetle in the family Cryptophagidae. It has a Holarctic distribution, occurring in Europe, Northern Asia (excluding China), and North America. The species is one of many small beetles in the genus Atomaria that are associated with fungal habitats.
Bitoma quadricollis
Bitoma quadricollis is a species of cylindrical bark beetle in the family Zopheridae. It occurs in North America. Larval development has been documented on Hypoxylon fungi. The species was described by Horn in 1885.
Bobitobus fungicola
Bobitobus fungicola is a rove beetle (family Staphylinidae) in the subfamily Mycetoporinae. The species name 'fungicola' indicates an association with fungi. It has a broad transcontinental distribution across northern North America, extending from Alaska and Yukon through Canada to the northeastern United States. The species was described by Campbell in 1982.
Buchananius sulcatus
Buchananius sulcatus is a small flower weevil in the family Curculionidae, described by Kissinger in 1957. Its development occurs in fungi, an unusual trait among weevils. The species is known from North America, though detailed ecological information remains limited.
Caenocara bicolor
puffball beetle
Caenocara bicolor is a small beetle species in the family Anobiidae, commonly known as a puffball beetle. It is native to North America and has been documented in the Canadian provinces of Manitoba, Ontario, and Saskatchewan. The species was described by Germar in 1824. Members of the genus Caenocara are associated with puffball fungi.
Caenocara scymnoides
Cub Puffball Beetle
Caenocara scymnoides is a small anobiine beetle in the family Ptinidae (formerly placed in Anobiidae), known by the common name Cub Puffball Beetle. It occurs in North America, with records from western Canadian provinces including Alberta, British Columbia, and Manitoba. The species is rarely collected, with only two observations documented on iNaturalist.
Campylomyzini
Campylomyzini is a tribe of gall midges within the family Cecidomyiidae, subfamily Lestremiinae. These small flies are characterized by reduced wing venation and are primarily associated with fungal substrates. The tribe contains genera such as Campylomyza and related taxa. Campylomyzini represents one of several tribes within the diverse subfamily Lestremiinae, which itself is distinguished from other cecidomyiid subfamilies by larval associations with fungi rather than plant galls.
Chonocephalinae
Chonocephalinae is a subfamily of scuttle flies within the family Phoridae. Members are characterized by reduced wing venation and are primarily associated with decaying organic matter, including fungi and dung. The subfamily includes the genus Chonocephalus, which is known for its distinctive morphology among phorid flies. These flies are generally small with humpbacked thoraxes typical of the family.
Clusiodes caestus
Clusiodes caestus is a species of fly in the family Clusiidae, described by Caloren and Marshall in 1998. Members of this family are small to medium-sized flies commonly associated with decaying wood and fungal habitats in forest ecosystems. The species is known from limited observations, with only one documented record on iNaturalist.
Cryptophagus lapponicus
silken fungus beetle
Cryptophagus lapponicus is a species of silken fungus beetle in the family Cryptophagidae. It has a holarctic distribution, occurring in Europe, Northern Asia (excluding China), and North America. As a member of the Cryptophagidae, it is associated with fungal habitats. The species was described by Gyllenhal in 1827.
Cyparium
Cyparium is a genus of rove beetles in the subfamily Scaphidiinae, described by Erichson in 1845. The genus comprises approximately 55 species with strongest representation in the Neotropical and Oriental regions. Species are associated with fungal substrates. The genus was recently revised with descriptions of five new Brazilian species.
Diaperis
Diaperis is a genus of darkling beetles in the family Tenebrionidae, established by Geoffroy in 1762. Species occur across Asia, Europe, and the Americas. The genus includes mycophagous species such as D. boleti, which feeds on wood-decomposing fungi. Some species were formerly classified under the genus Allophasia.
Dorcatoma
Dorcatoma is a genus of small beetles in the family Ptinidae (formerly Anobiidae), comprising more than 70 species distributed across temperate regions worldwide but absent from tropical areas. Adults and larvae are closely associated with dead wood, particularly wood softened and decomposed by fungi. Several species have been documented developing within the fruiting bodies of bracket fungi.
Endomychus limbatus
handsome fungus beetle
Endomychus limbatus is a species of handsome fungus beetle described by Horn in 1870. It belongs to the family Endomychidae, a group of beetles commonly associated with fungal substrates. The species is documented from western North America, with records from Alberta and British Columbia in Canada. Information on its biology remains limited.
Entiinae
Entiinae is a subfamily of chalcid wasps within the family Eulophidae, established by Hedqvist in 1974. It was formerly known as Euderinae until that name was determined to be a junior homonym. The subfamily comprises 18 genera of small parasitoid wasps. Members are known to parasitize insects associated with fungi, particularly fungus beetles in the family Ciidae.
Epuraea corticina
Epuraea corticina is a small sap-feeding beetle in the family Nitidulidae, first described by Erichson in 1843. It has been documented in northern North America and is specifically associated with oak wilt fungus mats, where it develops. The species is one of several Epuraea beetles linked to fungal diseases of hardwood trees.
Eucinetus strigosus
plate-thigh beetle
Eucinetus strigosus is a species of plate-thigh beetle in the family Eucinetidae, first described by LeConte in 1875. Members of this family are small, fungus-associated beetles characterized by their distinctive plate-like hind femora. The species is known from North America, though detailed biological information remains limited.
Eumicrota corruscula
Eumicrota corruscula is a small rove beetle (Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae) first described by Erichson in 1839. Originally placed in Gyrophaena, it was later transferred to Eumicrota. The species occurs across eastern North America from Canada through the United States, with scattered records west to Saskatchewan and Texas. It belongs to the tribe Homalotini, a group known for association with fungal fruiting bodies.
Eumicrota socia
Eumicrota socia is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, first described by Erichson in 1839. It belongs to the subfamily Aleocharinae and tribe Homalotini. The species is known from scattered records across eastern North America. Like other members of its genus, it is presumed to be associated with fungi, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Gyrophaena affinis
Gyrophaena affinis is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae. It is native to Europe and has been recorded across much of the Northern Hemisphere including Asia and North America. The species belongs to a genus known for small body size and association with fungal fruiting bodies.
Heleomyzidae
Sun flies, Heleomyzid flies
Heleomyzidae is a family of small to medium-sized flies in the order Diptera, comprising over 740 described species in approximately 76 genera. The family is distributed worldwide, with the greatest diversity in the Holarctic region. Adults are frequently observed at lights in early spring and late fall. Larval ecology is diverse, with many species associated with decaying organic matter, fungi, carrion, or bird nests.
Hirtodrosophila
Hirtodrosophila is a genus of fruit flies in the family Drosophilidae, elevated from subgenus status within Drosophila by Grimaldi in 1990. The genus comprises approximately 150 described species divided into ten species groups, with highest diversity in tropical and subtropical regions. Most species are mycophagous, with larvae feeding on fungi, though at least one species has evolved predatory behavior on frog embryos. The genus belongs to the monophyletic Zygothrica genus group of mycophagous drosophilids, though Hirtodrosophila itself is paraphyletic.
Hirtodrosophila alabamensis
Hirtodrosophila alabamensis is a small fly in the family Drosophilidae, originally described from Alabama in 1918. As a member of the genus Hirtodrosophila, it belongs to a group of drosophilid flies often associated with fungal substrates. The species is recognized as valid but remains poorly documented in contemporary literature.
Jacobsoniidae
Jacobson's beetles
Jacobsoniidae is a small family of minute beetles within the superfamily Staphylinoidea, comprising three extant genera (Derolathrus, Sarothrias, Saphophagus) and approximately 28 described species. Adults and larvae inhabit cryptic microhabitats including leaf litter, rotting wood, fungal fruiting bodies, bat guano, and caves. The family exhibits remarkable morphological stasis since the Cretaceous, with fossil records from Cretaceous amber of Myanmar and France, Eocene Baltic amber, and Holocene copal. Members are among the smallest beetles, measuring 0.7–2.1 mm, and are exceptionally rare in collections.
Lordithon campbelli
Lordithon campbelli is a rove beetle (Staphylinidae) described by Schülke in 2000. It belongs to the subfamily Mycetoporinae, a group associated with fungal habitats. The species is known from scattered records across eastern North America.
Megalodacne heros
pleasing fungus beetle
Megalodacne heros is a species of pleasing fungus beetle in the family Erotylidae, found in North America. The species exhibits nocturnal activity patterns and is associated with fungal habitats. Commonly known as the pleasing fungus beetle, it is one of the more frequently observed members of its genus, with over 3,700 observations recorded on iNaturalist.
Mezira reducta
Mezira reducta is a species of flat bug in the family Aradidae, first described by Van Duzee in 1927. Members of the genus Mezira are typically associated with decaying wood and fungal habitats. The species is known from North America, with observational records from the United States.
Platydracus maculosus
Brown Rove Beetle
Platydracus maculosus is a large rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, commonly known as the Brown Rove Beetle. It is among the largest members of its family in North America, measuring 22-35 millimeters in length. The species is a predatory insect attracted to decomposing organic matter and fungi, where it hunts other insects. It has been documented across eastern North America and is recognized as a significant presence in forensic entomology contexts due to its attraction to carrion.
Platypezinae
flat-footed flies
Platypezinae is a subfamily of small, fungus-associated flies in the family Platypezidae, commonly known as flat-footed flies. The subfamily contains approximately 250 described species across at least 14 valid genera. Members are distinguished by flattened bodies, distinctive wing venation, and modified hind legs with broadened tibiae and tarsi. The genus Microsania is cosmopolitan in distribution, while Agathomyia is primarily Holarctic with some Oriental representatives.
Polyporivora polypori
flat-footed fly
Polyporivora polypori is a species of flat-footed fly in the family Platypezidae. The genus Polyporivora is associated with bracket fungi (polypores), though specific host relationships for P. polypori remain poorly documented. The species was described by Willard in 1914. Available records suggest it occurs in forested environments where suitable fungal hosts are present.
Protaxymyia
Protaxymyia is a genus of flies in the family Axymyiidae, established by Mamaev and Krivosheina in 1966. This genus belongs to a small, relictual family of Diptera whose members are associated with decaying wood and fungal habitats. Species within Protaxymyia are poorly known, with limited published biological information available.
Psilopyga histrina
black stinkhorn beetle
A small sap-feeding beetle in the family Nitidulidae, known from North America. The common name "black stinkhorn beetle" suggests an association with stinkhorn fungi (Phallaceae), though direct documentation of this relationship is limited. Like other nitidulids, it likely feeds on fermenting plant fluids and fungal substrates.
Scaphidiinae
Shining Fungus Beetles
Scaphidiinae is a subfamily of rove beetles (Staphylinidae) commonly known as shining fungus beetles. The subfamily comprises over 2000 described species across 46 genera, with greatest diversity concentrated in tropical and subtropical forests. Members are strongly associated with fungi and slime molds, on which they feed and complete their development. The Neotropical region remains particularly understudied, with recent work revealing substantially higher diversity than previously recorded.
Scatopsidae
Minute Black Scavenger Flies, Dung Midges
Scatopsidae, commonly known as minute black scavenger flies or "dung midges," is a small family of nematoceran flies in the order Diptera. The family contains approximately 250 described species across 27 genera, though many species remain undescribed. Members are typically small to minute (0.6–5 mm), dark-colored flies that bear superficial resemblance to black flies (Simuliidae) but generally lack the characteristic humped thorax of that family. They have a worldwide distribution.
Sepedophilus brachypterus
Sepedophilus brachypterus is a rove beetle described by Campbell in 1976. It belongs to the subfamily Tachyporinae, a group often associated with fungal fruiting bodies and decaying organic matter. The species is characterized by reduced wings (brachyptery), as indicated by its specific epithet. It is known from eastern North America with a range extending from Canada through the eastern and central United States.
Thanerocleridae
Thanerocleridae is a small family of predaceous cleroid beetles comprising 36 extant species in 10 genera. Formerly classified as a subfamily of Cleridae, it was elevated to family rank based on molecular data. The family has a cosmopolitan distribution concentrated in tropical and subtropical regions, with one relictual temperate genus (Zenodosus) in North America. Species occupy habitats associated with wood-decaying fungi and tree bark, where they prey on small beetles.
Toramus pulchellus
Beautiful Pleasing Fungus Beetle
Toramus pulchellus is a minute species of pleasing fungus beetle in the family Erotylidae. Adults measure only 1.3–1.6 mm in length and exhibit variable coloration from yellow-brown to dark. The species occurs across North America and is associated with fungal habitats, consistent with the feeding ecology of the family.
Triplax dissimulator
pleasing fungus beetle
Triplax dissimulator is a species of pleasing fungus beetle in the family Erotylidae. It is distributed across North America, with records from Canada (Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick) and the United States. As a member of the genus Triplax, it is associated with fungal habitats, particularly fruiting bodies of mushrooms. The species is small, typically measuring 3–6 millimeters in length.
Urocerus cressoni
Black-and-red Horntail
Urocerus cressoni is a large wood-boring wasp in the family Siricidae, commonly known as the Black-and-red Horntail. Females range from 37–50 mm in length, males 18–37 mm. The species is native to North America and has been recorded across Canada from Nova Scotia to Manitoba. Like other horntails, females possess a prominent ovipositor for drilling into wood to deposit eggs, along with a shorter dorsal spine (cornus) that gives the family its common name. The species is non-venomous and poses no threat to humans.