Mycetophagus punctatus

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Mycetophagus punctatus
Day 139 - Hairy Fungus Beetle - Mycetophagus punctatus, Woodbridge, Virginia.jpg
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Suborder: Polyphaga
Infraorder: Cucujiformia
Family: Mycetophagidae
Genus: Mycetophagus
Species:
M. punctatus
Binomial name
Mycetophagus punctatus
Say, 1827

Mycetophagus punctatus, the hairy fungus beetle, is a species of fungus beetle in the family Mycetophagidae. It occurs in North America. [1] It can be found in households given the presence of decaying matter and sufficient dampness. [2]

Contents

Description

The hairy fungus beetle is 4.0 to 5.5 cm in body length and features red-yellow markings on its black elytra. Its antennae are red-brown becoming black nearing the tips. [3] It features short hairs on its body. [4]

Ecology and behavior

Hairy fungus beetles typically proliferate during late summer to early fall in moist environments such as decaying plant material, cellars or houses, especially around bathtubs or sinks. They are also attracted to damp cereals, herbs, spices, cheese, fruit preserves, fibers, including carpet, and light sources, but do not cause any damage. The use of fungicides is known to limit their presence. They do not bite humans or spread any diseases. [2]

References

  1. ↑ "Mycetophagus punctatus Say, 1827". Catalogue of Life . Species 2000: Leiden, the Netherlands. Retrieved 17 February 2026.
  2. 1 2 J. Shetlar, David (Oct 19, 2011). "Fungus Beetles". Ohioline. Ohio State University Extension. Archived from the original on 16 December 2016.
  3. ↑ G. Bland, Roger; H. E., Jaques (May 12, 2010). How to Know the Insects (3rd ed.). Waveland Press. pp. 220–221. ISBN   9781478608035.
  4. ↑ Say, Thomas; Ord, George (1869). American Entomology. The Ohio State University: J.W. Bouton. p. 321.


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