Slime-mould-feeder
Guides
Agathidium
slime mold beetles
Agathidium is a genus of small beetles in the family Leiodidae, notable as the largest insect group documented that principally feeds on slime moulds. The genus includes approximately 100 described species distributed primarily across the Holarctic region. Several species have gained public attention through their unconventional scientific names honoring political figures and fictional characters. Some species possess the ability to roll into a nearly complete sphere, and males of certain species exhibit asymmetrical mandibular horns used in combat and courtship.
Gelae
round fungus beetles
Gelae is a genus of round fungus beetles in the family Leiodidae, established in 2004 to accommodate species previously placed in Agathidium. The genus contains eight species distributed across Central and North America, ranging from Canada to Panama. Species are small, dome-shaped beetles that feed on slime moulds. The genus name derives from Latin gelatus ("congealed" or "jellied"), referencing both their habitat and pronunciation like "jelly". Five species described in 2004 received whimsical names based on wordplay: G. baen, G. belae, G. donut, G. fish, and G. rol.