Mycophagy
Guides
Anisotoma
slime mold beetles, round fungus beetles
Anisotoma is a genus of small beetles in the family Leiodidae, commonly known as slime mold beetles or round fungus beetles. The genus contains at least 20 described species, with six monophyletic species groups comprising 35 known species including 13 described in a 1979 revision. These beetles are specialized associates of slime molds (Myxomycetes). The genus originated in North America from a Holarctic common ancestor shared with the related genus Agathidium, subsequently dispersing to Palearctic and Central American regions.
Anthribidae
fungus weevils
Anthribidae is a family of beetles commonly known as fungus weevils, distinguished from true weevils (Curculionidae) by their straight, non-elbowed antennae. Members of this family typically possess thread-like antennae that may exceed body length, representing the longest antennae among all Curculionoidea. The labrum appears as a separate segment from the clypeus, and maxillary palps are notably long and projecting. Most species feed on fungi or decaying plant matter, with larvae developing within dead wood. Some members exhibit unusual feeding habits: Choraginae includes seed-feeding species, a few are stored product pests, and the genus Anthribus uniquely preys upon soft scale insects.
Anurida
Anurida is a genus of springtails (Collembola) in the family Neanuridae, established in 1865 by Laboulbène. The genus has cosmopolitan distribution with species occupying diverse habitats including intertidal marine zones, river floodplains, riparian areas, and forest ecosystems. Well-studied species include the intertidal specialist Anurida maritima, which exhibits complex tidal-entrained behaviors, and the terrestrial A. granaria, which has documented mycophagous associations. The genus shows notable morphological diversity in chaetotaxy and eye reduction, with some species groups exhibiting cryptic genetic divergence despite morphological similarity.
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granaria
granary short-legged springtail
Anurida granaria is a springtail species in the family Neanuridae, first described by Hercule Nicolet in 1847. It has been observed in a documented mycophagy association with the cup fungus Peziza arvernensis in southern Brazil, where a colony of over 500 individuals used a single fungal apothecium as both food source and living space. The species exhibits complete life cycle activities including molting, courtship behavior, and oviposition within fungal structures.
Araecerini
Araecerini is a tribe of fungus weevils within the family Anthribidae. Members are characterized by their association with fungal resources and distinctive morphological features. The tribe contains multiple genera distributed across tropical and subtropical regions. These beetles are primarily mycophagous, feeding on fungi at various life stages.
Arenivaga
sand cockroaches, desert cockroaches
Arenivaga is a genus of sand cockroaches in the family Corydiidae, comprising approximately 48 species distributed across the southwestern United States, Florida, and Mexico. These insects are highly adapted to arid environments, inhabiting sandy soils and dunes with moisture content below 1%. The genus exhibits extreme sexual dimorphism, with winged males and wingless, fossorial females that 'swim' through sand. A 2014 revision by Heidi Hopkins added 39 new species to the previously known nine, revealing a remarkable radiation in desert habitats.
Asteromyia carbonifera
Carbonifera goldenrod gall midge
Asteromyia carbonifera is a gall midge that forms an obligate mutualistic relationship with the fungus Botryosphaeria dothidea. Females carry fungal conidia in specialized mycangia on the ovipositor and deposit them alongside eggs on Solidago host plants. The fungus induces gall formation, and larvae feed on fungal tissue within the gall. This insect-fungus mutualism is essential for successful development; neither partner can complete its life cycle independently under natural conditions.
Bolboceratinae
earth-boring scarab beetles
Bolboceratinae is a subfamily of earth-boring scarab beetles within Geotrupidae, containing approximately 8 genera and at least 40 described species. The group exhibits a disjunct global distribution with centers of diversity in Australia, South America, southern Africa, and parts of Eurasia. Some authorities recognize Bolboceratinae as the family Bolboceratidae. Members are characterized by fossorial adaptations and diverse reproductive strategies including egg gigantism in some lineages.
Chymomyza
Chymomyza is a genus of vinegar flies in the family Drosophilidae, containing approximately 60 described species distributed across multiple continents. Species within this genus exhibit diverse ecological specializations, including mycophagy (fungal spore feeding) and exploitation of damaged or parasitized fruits and nuts. Some species, such as C. amoena, have demonstrated invasive potential, establishing populations in Europe from North American origins. The genus is notable for complex male-male combat behaviors involving modified forelegs used as visual signals and physical weapons.
Cryptophagidae
silken fungus beetles
Cryptophagidae is a family of small beetles commonly known as silken fungus beetles. Adults and larvae feed exclusively on fungi across diverse habitats including rotting wood and shed animal fur and feathers. The family contains approximately 600 species in 60 genera divided into two subfamilies: Atomariinae and Cryptophaginae. Body size ranges from 1 to 11 millimeters with an oval shape and slight waist.
Cyphomyrmex wheeleri
Wheeler's Fungus-farming Ant, fungus gardening ant
Cyphomyrmex wheeleri is a fungus-farming ant species in the family Formicidae, described by Forel in 1900. This species cultivates a diverse array of fungi year-round, including Cladosporium cladosporioides, Fusarium solani, and Nigrospora sphaerica. As a member of the Attini tribe, it represents one of the more derived fungus-growing ants within the genus Cyphomyrmex.
Ditomyiidae
Ditomyiidae is a small family of fungus-feeding flies (Diptera: Nematocera) comprising approximately 90 described species. The family has a cosmopolitan distribution excluding the Afrotropical Region, with highest diversity in the Australasian and Neotropical realms. European representation is limited to two genera: Ditomyia in Central Europe and Symmerus in Northern Europe. The family was historically treated as part of Mycetophilidae sensu lato but is now recognized as distinct based on morphological and phylogenetic evidence.
Drosophila falleni
Drosophila falleni is a mycophagous fruit fly native to northeastern North America. It specializes in feeding on the fruiting bodies of diverse fungal genera. The species serves as a host for the parasitic nematode Howardula aoronymphium, which manipulates host olfactory behavior. Its genome was sequenced in 2019 to study immune system evolution.
Erotylinae
pleasing fungus beetles
Erotylinae is a subfamily of pleasing fungus beetles in the family Erotylidae. Members are typically small to medium-sized beetles with compact, often brightly colored bodies. The subfamily is characterized by the presence of exocrine compound glands across all examined genera, with the highest diversity in Megalodacne (up to 9 pairs). These glands are likely involved in chemical defense and possibly pheromone production. The group exhibits diverse morphological forms across approximately 27+ genera including Triplax, Dacne, Megalodacne, and Iphiclus.
Gnathotrichus materiarius
American utilizable wood bark beetle
Gnathotrichus materiarius is an ambrosia beetle native to North America that has been introduced to Europe, where it was first detected in France in 1933. It excavates galleries in coniferous sapwood and maintains an obligate symbiosis with the fungus Endomycopsis fasciculata, which adults inoculate into wood and which serves as the primary food source for both larvae and adults. In Central Europe, it completes two generations per year, with adult flight beginning in early May and F2 generation adults overwintering in wood. Despite nearly a century of presence in Europe and its association with economically important conifers including Picea and Pinus, it has not caused significant damage, functioning primarily as a secondary pest of decaying or previously infested trees.
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.
Ips perturbatus
Northern Spruce Engraver
Ips perturbatus, the northern spruce engraver, is a bark beetle in the family Curculionidae (subfamily Scolytinae) that colonizes spruce trees (Picea spp.) across northern North America. It is primarily associated with white spruce (Picea glauca) and typically breeds on trees already killed or weakened by other agents, though it can attack stressed living trees. The species has one generation per year in most of its range, with adults overwintering in the ground. Males initiate galleries and attract 1–4 females to form harems; females construct egg tunnels averaging 10 cm in length and lay approximately 49 eggs each. The species is notable for its associations with ophiostomatoid fungi, particularly Leptographium fruticetum, which may play a role in its ecology.
Leiodes
round fungus beetles
Leiodes is a genus of small, rounded beetles in the family Leiodidae, comprising at least 110 described species with a primarily Holarctic distribution. Most species are subterranean mycophages, with several species acting as economically significant pests of truffle orchards. The genus exhibits specialized morphological and behavioral adaptations for life in ephemeral and solid fungi, including unique larval structures such as pseudomycangia.
Lycidae
net-winged beetles
Lycidae is a cosmopolitan family of beetles commonly known as net-winged beetles. Adults are typically elongated, 10–15 mm in length, with brick-red or black-and-orange coloration and long, serrated antennae. The family is notable for its distinctive reticulated wing venation, chemical defenses against predators, and participation in extensive Müllerian mimicry complexes with other beetles and even moths. Several lineages exhibit neoteny, with females retaining larval morphology into adulthood.
Lycoperdina
handsome fungus beetles
Lycoperdina is a genus of handsome fungus beetles (family Endomychidae) containing approximately 13–16 described species. Members of this genus are associated with fungal substrates, particularly puffballs (Lycoperdon and related genera), from which the genus derives its name. The genus is distributed across the Holarctic region, with records from Europe and North America. As part of the subfamily Lycoperdininae, these beetles represent a specialized lineage within the broader Endomychidae, a family characterized by mycophagous habits.
Neoempheria illustris
Neoempheria illustris is a species of fungus gnat in the family Mycetophilidae, first described by Johannsen in 1910. It belongs to a genus of approximately 1,100 species distributed across South and Central America. The species was the first Neoempheria documented from South America with confirmed larval associations to host fungi, representing a significant contribution to understanding Neotropical fungivore diversity.
Neuroctenus
flat bugs
Neuroctenus is a genus of flat bugs in the family Aradidae, subfamily Mezirinae, containing approximately 7 described species. Species in this genus are characterized by their strongly flattened bodies adapted for living under bark and in decaying wood. They are mycophagous, feeding on fungal mycelium, and have been documented in East and Southeast Asia including Taiwan, Hainan, Yunnan, Guizhou, and Tibet. Several species have been studied through mitochondrial genome sequencing, revealing close phylogenetic relationships within the genus and placement of Neuroctenus as sister to Mezira within Mezirinae.
Ochodaeidae
Sand-loving Scarab Beetles
Ochodaeidae is a small family of scarab beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea) commonly known as sand-loving scarab beetles. The family is distributed globally and contains two subfamilies: Chaetocanthinae and Ochodaeinae. Members are distinguished by crenulated or serrated mesotibial spurs. The biology and habits of most species remain poorly known, with many collected in sandy areas at night.
Oxyporus
Oxyporus is a genus of mycophagous rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Oxyporinae. The genus contains over 100 species distributed across Eurasia and the Americas. Adults and larvae are highly specialized fungivores that live inside and feed on fleshy fruit bodies of agaricoid Basidiomycetes. They exhibit notably short metamorphosis duration matching the ephemeral nature of their fungal hosts.
Oxyporus mexicanus
Oxyporus mexicanus is a species of rove beetle (Staphylinidae) in the subfamily Oxyporinae. The genus Oxyporus is characterized by distinctive morphological adaptations for mycophagy, including modified mouthparts for feeding on fungal substrates. This species was described by Fauvel in 1865 and is known from the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Pelecocera
Pelecocera is a Holarctic genus of small hoverflies (Syrphidae) comprising approximately 14 species. Adults are typically black and yellow or orange, found primarily in heathland and conifer forest habitats. Larval biology has been historically poorly known, but recent studies confirm mycophagy in at least two species, with larvae developing inside the hypogean fungal fruit bodies of Rhizopogon luteolus.
Peltastica
tooth-necked fungus beetles
Peltastica is a genus of small beetles in the family Derodontidae, commonly referred to as tooth-necked fungus beetles. The genus was established by Mannerheim in 1852 and includes at least two described species: P. tuberculata and P. amurensis. These beetles belong to the subfamily Peltasticinae and are associated with fungal habitats. The genus is rarely encountered and poorly known biologically.
Pityophthorina
Pityophthorina is a subtribe of ambrosia beetles within the tribe Xyleborini (subfamily Scolytinae, family Curculionidae). These beetles are characterized by their obligate mutualisms with ambrosia fungi, which they cultivate in wood galleries. The subtribe includes genera such as Pityophthorus, which are predominantly associated with coniferous hosts. Members are small, cylindrical bark beetles with reduced elytral declivity and specialized mycangia for transporting fungal spores.
Porricondylinae
gall midges, wood midges
Porricondylinae is a subfamily of gall midges and wood midges in the family Cecidomyiidae (Diptera). Members are primarily mycophagous (fungus-feeding), with larvae developing in decaying wood, fungi, or other organic substrates. The subfamily contains three tribes—Asynaptini, Dicerurini, and Porricondylini—encompassing over 100 described genera. Many species exhibit distinctive roosting behavior on spider webs, where they suspend themselves from non-sticky foundation threads to avoid predation.
Scaphisoma
shining fungus beetles
Scaphisoma is the most diverse genus of Scaphidiinae, with 766 described species and subspecies distributed almost worldwide. Members are commonly known as shining fungus beetles due to their association with fungi. The genus occurs across multiple continents including Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas, with 38 species recorded from the Neotropical region and seven now known from Brazil. Species have been documented from polyporoid fungi and other fungal substrates.
Scaphisomatini
Scaphisomatini is a tribe of rove beetles (family Staphylinidae, subfamily Scaphidiinae) established by Casey in 1893. Members of this tribe are characterized by their association with fungal habitats, particularly as inhabitants of sporocarps (fruiting bodies) of basidiomycete fungi. The tribe comprises numerous genera distributed across multiple biogeographic regions. These beetles represent a specialized lineage within the Scaphidiinae, having evolved to exploit microhabitats within decaying fungal material.
Sciaroidea
Fungus Gnats and Gall Midges
Sciaroidea is a superfamily of nematoceran flies in the infraorder Bibionomorpha, comprising approximately 16 families and over 15,000 described species. The group includes fungus gnats, gall midges, and related families, with larvae predominantly associated with fungi, dead wood, and soil. Fennoscandia represents a major biodiversity hotspot for this group, harboring roughly 1,000 species—about 83% of Europe's total. Despite substantial DNA barcoding efforts yielding over 56,000 barcode index numbers (BINs), only 5% currently have scientific names assigned, indicating vast undescribed diversity.
Sogdini
Sogdini round fungus beetles
Sogdini is a tribe of small round fungus beetles within the family Leiodidae, comprising approximately 7 genera and at least 20 described species. The tribe was established by Lopatin in 1961. Members are distributed across North and Central America, with species inhabiting northern and mountain forests or sandy habitats. The tribe includes the genera Hydnobius, Kalohydnobius, Macrohydnobius, Platyhydnobius, Sogda, Stereus, and Triarthron.
Tritoma erythrocephala
Red-headed Tritoma
Tritoma erythrocephala is a species of pleasing fungus beetle in the family Erotylidae, found in North America. The specific epithet "erythrocephala" (red-headed) refers to a distinctive color characteristic of this species. As a member of Erotylidae, it belongs to a family known for mycophagy (fungus-feeding) and often bright, contrasting coloration. The genus Tritoma includes multiple North American species, though species-level identification can be challenging.
Tritomini
pleasing fungus beetles
Tritomini is a tribe of pleasing fungus beetles within the family Erotylidae, established by Curtis in 1834. The tribe comprises approximately 15 genera including Tritoma, Triplax, Ischyrus, Mycotretus, Pselaphacus, and Haematochiton, with at least 30 described species. Members are exclusively Neotropical in distribution and are obligate associates of macrofungi, particularly basidiomes. The tribe has been subject to recent taxonomic revision focusing on genitalic morphology and larval stages, with immature stages now described for multiple Pselaphacus species.
Trogossitidae
bark-gnawing beetles
Trogossitidae is a small family of beetles in the superfamily Cleroidea, commonly known as bark-gnawing beetles. The family has undergone significant taxonomic revision, with many former members reassigned to separate families (Lophocateridae, Peltidae, Protopeltidae, Rentoniidae, and Thymalidae) as of 2019. Under the modern circumscription, the family contains approximately 400 species in 25 genera, reduced from roughly 600 species in over 50 genera under previous definitions. Members are predominantly predatory and/or mycophagous, with both adults and larvae associated with wood habitats.
Xylosandrus crassiusculus
Granulate Ambrosia Beetle, Asian Ambrosia Beetle
Xylosandrus crassiusculus is a small ambrosia beetle native to tropical and subtropical Asia that has become one of the most successful invasive wood-boring beetles globally. Adults are reddish-brown, 2–3 mm long, and exhibit a specialized fungus-farming mutualism. Females excavate galleries in wood, introduce the symbiotic fungus Ambrosiella roeperi, and cultivate it as the sole food source for themselves and their offspring. The species is polyphagous on broadleaf trees and shrubs, infesting stressed nursery stock, young trees, and stacked timber, causing economic damage in forestry and agriculture.