Mycetophagus punctatus

Mycetophagus punctatus or the hairy fungus beetle is a species of fungus beetle. It can be found in households given the presence of decaying matter and sufficient dampness.[1]

Mycetophagus punctatus
Hairy Fungus Beetle - Mycetophagus punctatus, Woodbridge, Virginia
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Arthropoda
Class:
Insecta
Order:
Coleoptera
Family:
Mycetophagidae
Genus:
Mycetophagus
Species:
M. punctatus
Binomial name
Mycetophagus punctatus
Say, 1826
Not to be confused with Typhaea stercorea.

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.[2] It features short hairs on its body.[3]

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.[1]

References
  1. J. Shetlar, David (Oct 19, 2011). "Fungus Beetles". Ohioline: Ohio State University Extension. Archived from the original on 2008-10-07.
  2. G. Bland, Roger; H. E., Jaques (May 12, 2010). How to Know the Insects (3rd ed.). Waveland Press. pp. 220–221. ISBN 9781478608035.
  3. Say, Thomas; Ord, George (1869). American Entomology. The Ohio State University: J.W. Bouton. p. 321.
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