Specialized-feeders
Guides
Ceracis
tree-fungus beetles
Ceracis is a genus of minute tree-fungus beetles (family Ciidae) comprising approximately 56 described species. The genus is characterized by small body size, reduced antennal segmentation (typically 8-9 antennomeres), and pronounced sexual dimorphism in cephalic and pronotal armature. Species within the Ceracis furcifer group exhibit specialized feeding on the blood-red bracket fungus Pycnoporus sanguineus, representing a unique dietary specialization among animals. The genus has a predominantly Neotropical distribution, with records extending from South America through the Caribbean to the southern United States.