Mycophagous
Guides
Mycophila
wood midges
Mycophila is a genus of cecidomyiid midges established by Ephraim Porter Felt in 1911, comprising seven described species. Species within this genus are associated with fungal substrates, with some documented as pests of cultivated mushrooms. The genus exhibits diverse reproductive strategies including paedogenesis and parthenogenesis. At least three species have been recorded from China, with additional species known from North America and Europe.
Neoempheria macularis
Neoempheria macularis is a species of fungus gnat in the family Mycetophilidae, first described by Johannsen in 1910. It belongs to a genus containing over 1,100 species in South and Central America. The species was the first Neoempheria species documented with confirmed larval associations with fungi in the Neotropical region, specifically reared from mushrooms in Brazil.
Oxyporinae
Cross-toothed Rove Beetles
Oxyporinae is a subfamily of rove beetles (Staphylinidae) containing a single genus, Oxyporus, with approximately 132 species distributed worldwide. These beetles are obligate fungivores with a life cycle tightly linked to fungi. They are notable for their distinctive mandibular and mouthpart morphology.
Ozotomerus
Ozotomerus is a genus of fungus weevils in the family Anthribidae, established by Perroud in 1853. Members of this genus are small to medium-sized beetles characterized by their distinctive elongated snout and association with fungal substrates. The genus is distributed across various regions with documented observations primarily from the Americas. As with other anthribids, species in this genus are likely mycophagous, feeding on fungal growth on decaying wood and plant material.
Pallodes austrinus
A small sap-feeding beetle in the family Nitidulidae, described in 1988 from North American specimens. Adults are 3–4 mm long and have been documented on fruiting bodies of various mushroom genera. The species is one of the more recently described members of the genus Pallodes.
Pegomya geniculata
Pegomya geniculata is a small fly in the family Anthomyiidae, known for its specialized relationship with fungi. The species has been documented breeding within the fruiting bodies of mushrooms, particularly Verpa bohemica. Its known distribution spans western Europe and eastern North America.
Phaenithon
Phaenithon is a genus of fungus weevils in the family Anthribidae, first described by Schoenherr in 1826. Members of this genus are characterized by their association with fungal substrates and distinctive morphological features. The genus is part of the diverse weevil superfamily Curculionoidea, though Anthribidae are distinguished by straight rather than elbowed antennae. At least one species, Phaenithon semigriseus, has been documented in photographic records.
Phloeodes
diabolical ironclad beetle
Phloeodes is a genus of ironclad beetles in the family Zopheridae, native to western North America. The genus includes the well-known species Phloeodes diabolicus, commonly called the diabolical ironclad beetle, which has attracted scientific attention for its exceptional mechanical durability. Members of this genus are flightless, have heavily sclerotized exoskeletons, and feed on fungi growing under tree bark. The genus has been synonymized with Nosoderma in some taxonomic treatments, though Phloeodes remains in widespread use.
Phloeodes plicatus
Wrinkled Ironclad Beetle
Phloeodes plicatus, commonly known as the Wrinkled Ironclad Beetle, is a flightless beetle in the family Zopheridae. It is closely related to Phloeodes diabolicus, the diabolical ironclad beetle, and shares the remarkable structural durability characteristic of this genus. The species has been reclassified under the genus Nosoderma in some taxonomic treatments.
Phloeonomus
Protea Rove Beetles
Phloeonomus is a genus of ocellate rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Omaliinae, containing approximately eight described species. Species within this genus are obligate saproxylic beetles associated with decaying wood and polypore fungi. The larval stages have been characterized for at least one species (P. punctipennis), showing three instars with morphological differences in antennal, leg, and urogomphal proportions between early and late instars.
Phoenicobiella
Phoenicobiella is a genus of fungus weevils in the family Anthribidae, established by T.D.A. Cockerell in 1906. Members of this genus are small beetles associated with fungal substrates. The genus contains relatively few described species and has been documented primarily from North America. As with other anthribids, adults and larvae are likely mycophagous.
Pisenus humeralis
Pisenus humeralis is a species of polypore fungus beetle in the family Tetratomidae, originally described as Cryptophagus humeralis by Kirby in 1837. It is one of approximately 20 described species in the genus Pisenus, which are specialized associates of polypore fungi. The species is documented from eastern North America, with records from Canada (New Brunswick, Ontario, Québec) and the United States.
Platydema
Platydema is a genus of darkling beetles (family Tenebrionidae, subfamily Diaperinae) comprising at least 60 described species. Multiple species have been documented as obligately associated with fungal fruiting bodies, with some exhibiting monophagy on specific bracket fungi. The genus has a broad geographic distribution including Asia, Europe, and North America.
Polyporivora
flat-footed flies
Polyporivora is a genus of flat-footed flies (Platypezidae) comprising approximately eight described species. The genus is distinguished by its obligate association with polypore fungi, where larvae develop within host fruiting bodies. Species occur primarily in the Holarctic region, with documented records from Europe, including recent rediscoveries in Central and Southern Europe. The genus was established by Kessel & Maggioncalda in 1968.
Psyllobora parvinotata
Small-spotted Fairy Lady Beetle, small-spotted psyllobora
Psyllobora parvinotata is a minute lady beetle in the tribe Psylloborini, distinguished by its reduced spot pattern compared to congeners. Adults measure 2.75–3.40 mm and exhibit pale, often faint markings on the elytra. The species occurs in the southeastern United States, with records from Florida to Louisiana. It belongs to a genus whose members are specialized feeders on powdery mildews and other plant-pathogenic fungi.
Psyllobora renifer
Kidney-spotted Fairy Lady Beetle, Kidney-spotted Psyllobora, Kidney-spotted Lady Beetle
Psyllobora renifer is a minute lady beetle distinguished by its unique kidney-shaped markings and specialized diet of powdery mildew fungi. At 1.75–2.4 mm, it is among the smallest lady beetles in North America. Unlike most lady beetles that prey on aphids and soft-bodied insects, this species has evolved to exploit fungal pathogens of plants as its primary food source. It occurs across North and Central America and is most reliably identified by the confluent, connected dark patches on its elytra that merge into larger irregular shapes rather than remaining as discrete spots.
Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata
22-spot ladybird, 22-spot lady beetle
A small European lady beetle, 3–5 mm in length, distinguished by its bright yellow elytra with 22 black spots. It is the only British and Irish ladybird species where pupa, larva, and adult share similar coloration and pattern. Unlike most coccinellids that prey on aphids, this species is a mycophage specializing on powdery mildew fungi. The species was first described in 1758 by Linnaeus and has been recorded overwintering in aggregations of up to 500 individuals.
Sancassania
Sancassania is a genus of mites in the family Acaridae containing more than 80 species. Many species are associated with fungi, particularly mushrooms, with some lineages having specialized to exploit this ephemeral resource. Other species are phoretic on beetles or occur in soil and decomposing organic matter. The genus includes economically significant species associated with agricultural crops and biocontrol systems.
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.
Scaphidium
shining fungus beetles
Scaphidium is a genus of shining fungus beetles in the family Staphylinidae. Members are small beetles with compact, rounded bodies and short elytra that leave much of the abdomen exposed. The genus contains approximately 62 described species distributed across multiple continents.
Scaphisoma convexum
Scaphisoma convexum is a species of rove beetle in the subfamily Scaphidiinae, characterized by its small, convex body form that distinguishes it from the typically more elongate staphylinids. The species was described by Thomas Say in 1825 and represents one of the more widely distributed members of its genus in North America. Like other members of Scaphidiinae, it is associated with fungal habitats. The species shows substantial geographic range across eastern and central North America with scattered western records.
Silvaninae
silvanid flat bark beetles
Silvaninae is a subfamily of silvanid flat bark beetles (family Silvanidae) comprising approximately 11 genera and at least 30 described species. The subfamily includes several economically significant stored product pests, most notably species in the genera *Oryzaephilus* and *Cathartus*. Members are characterized by their dorsoventrally flattened bodies adapted for living under bark or in similar confined spaces. The group has a cosmopolitan distribution with species found across multiple continents.
Subcoccinella vigintiquatuorpunctata
24-spot Ladybird, Alfalfa Lady Beetle
A small ladybird beetle, 3–4 mm long, with a domed shape and velvety, hair-covered wing-cases. Unlike most ladybirds, it is herbivorous, feeding on fungal mycelium rather than aphids. The species shows high variability in spot patterns, typically bearing 20–24 black spots on a dark orange background, though melanic and spotless forms occur. Winglessness is common, particularly in western populations, with flight ability varying geographically.
Suillia variegata
Suillia variegata is a Palearctic species of heleomyzid fly distributed throughout Britain and Ireland, with highest occurrence in England and Wales. The species exhibits a mixed feeding strategy, primarily mycophagous but also associated with decaying flowers, roots, and bird's nests. Adults display an earthy brown thorax with sparse hairs and a pale striped abdomen, with distinctive wing spines useful for identification. The species peaks in density during April/May and July/August.
Sulcacis
tree-fungus beetles
Sulcacis is a genus of minute tree-fungus beetles in the family Ciidae, established by Dury in 1917. The genus comprises eight described species distributed across the Holarctic region, including Europe, Asia, and North America. Species in this genus are associated with wood-decaying fungi and are documented hosts of entomopathogenic fungi and pseudoscorpion predators.
Synstrophus
polypore fungus beetles
Synstrophus is a genus of beetles in the family Tetratomidae, commonly known as polypore fungus beetles. The genus contains at least two described species: Synstrophus repandus and Synstrophus rollei. Members of this genus are associated with polypore fungi, a relationship that defines their ecological niche. The genus was established by Seidlitz in 1898.
Teredidae
Teredidae is a family of small beetles in the superfamily Coccinelloidea, containing approximately 160 species in 10 genera. The family has a cosmopolitan distribution excluding South America and Antarctica. Teredids are typically found in concealed microhabitats such as under bark, in leaf litter, and especially within the galleries of wood-boring beetles. The family was historically treated as a subfamily of Bothrideridae but is now recognized as distinct. Fossil records extend to the mid-Cretaceous with Delteredolaemus from Burmese amber.
Tetratoma
Tetratoma is a genus of polypore fungus beetles comprising approximately 25 described species. These small beetles are associated with wood-decaying fungi and are members of the family Tetratomidae within the superfamily Tenebrionoidea. The genus was established by Fabricius in 1790 and is primarily distributed across northern and temperate regions of the Palearctic.
Trigonorhinus limbatus limbatus
Trigonorhinus limbatus limbatus is a subspecies of fungus weevil in the family Anthribidae. It is characterized by distinct dark markings on the elytra and a somewhat elongated body form typical of the genus. The subspecies is part of a complex that requires careful examination for proper identification. It has been documented in specific regions of North America.
Triplax alachuae
Triplax alachuae is a species of pleasing fungus beetle in the family Erotylidae. It belongs to a genus of small beetles that are strongly associated with fungal fruiting bodies, particularly mushrooms. The species was described by Boyle in 1956. Like other members of Triplax, it is presumed to feed on fungal tissue and to be found in association with decaying mushrooms in forested habitats.
Triplax festiva
pleasing fungus beetle
Triplax festiva is a species of pleasing fungus beetle in the family Erotylidae, distributed across North America. Larvae develop within fungi of the genus Inonotus, indicating a specialized mycophagous relationship. The species is one of approximately 372 observations documented on iNaturalist, suggesting moderate documentation but limited detailed study.
Triplax flavicollis
pleasing fungus beetle
Triplax flavicollis is a species of pleasing fungus beetle in the family Erotylidae. It is found in Central America and North America. Members of the genus Triplax are small beetles, typically 3-5.6 millimeters in length, associated with fungi. The specific epithet "flavicollis" refers to a yellow-colored neck or collar region.
Triplax frontalis
Black-headed pleasing fungus beetle, Black-fronted Triplax
Triplax frontalis is a species of pleasing fungus beetle in the family Erotylidae, commonly known as the black-headed pleasing fungus beetle. It is found in North America. The species belongs to a genus of small beetles that are typically associated with fungi, particularly mushrooms and bracket fungi.
Triplax macra
pleasing fungus beetle
Triplax macra is a small species of pleasing fungus beetle in the family Erotylidae. The species was described by LeConte in 1854 and is distributed across North America, with records from Canada (Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick) and the United States. Like other members of the genus Triplax, it is associated with fungal habitats.
Triplax puncticeps
pleasing fungus beetle
Triplax puncticeps is a small beetle in the pleasing fungus beetle family Erotylidae, found in North America. Like other members of its genus, it is associated with fungi, though specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented. The species was described by Casey in 1916.
Tritoma angulata
pleasing fungus beetle
Tritoma angulata is a species of pleasing fungus beetle in the family Erotylidae. It was described by Thomas Say in 1826. The species is found in North America, where adults and larvae feed on fungi. Like other members of the genus Tritoma, it exhibits aposematic coloration that serves as a warning to potential predators of its chemical defenses.
Typhaea stercorea
Hairy Fungus Beetle
Typhaea stercorea, commonly known as the hairy fungus beetle, is a cosmopolitan beetle in the family Mycetophagidae. Adults measure 2.2–3.0 mm in length and are distinguished by their oval, brown, flattened bodies with hairy elytra bearing parallel lines of fine hairs. The species is a generalist feeder on fungi, particularly molds growing on damp or deteriorating organic matter. It serves as a significant pest of stored grain products, where its presence indicates poor storage conditions, and has been documented in grain storages dating to the Iron Age. The beetle has gained additional attention as a vector of human pathogens, including documented carriage of Salmonella enterica and Campylobacter species.
Winnertzia
Winnertzia is a genus of mycophagous gall midges in the family Cecidomyiidae, subfamily Porricondylinae. The genus is exceptionally speciose, with 136 extant species currently recognized following recent taxonomic revisions. Species are documented from the Palearctic, Neotropical, and Australasian regions. Larvae develop in association with fungal substrates.
Winnertziinae
Winnertziinae is a subfamily of gall midges and wood midges in the family Cecidomyiidae (Diptera). The subfamily contains three recognized tribes: Diallactiini, Heteropezini, and Winnertziini, plus several genera of uncertain placement. The genus Winnertzia is exceptionally speciose, with 136 extant species documented across Sweden, Peru, and Tasmania. Members are predominantly mycophagous, feeding on fungal substrates.
Zygoneura
Zygoneura is a genus of small flies in the family Sciaridae, commonly known as dark-winged fungus gnats. The genus was established by Meigen in 1830 and is currently recognized as valid within the Diptera. Species in this genus are part of a diverse group of mycophagous insects associated with decaying organic matter and fungal substrates.