HAIRY FUNGUS BEETLE

HAIRY FUNGUS BEETLE

Mycetophagus punctatus
HAIRY FUNGUS BEETLES (Mycetophagidae)

This beetle is reddish-orange in color with four dark spots on the elytra. It was identified by experts at Bugguide.net. It is about 1/4th inch long. The pronotum and elytra are usually hairy.

 

This beetle is found in decaying fungi, under dead bark containing fungi, in shelf fungi and in moldy vegetable material. This one was photographed along Missouri Trail.

 

These mold-feeding beetles are sometimes found in decaying plant material, damp cereals, grains, herbs, spices, cheese, jam, fibers and carpeting, especially in cellars. Attracted by lights, these small beetles, can crawl or fly through window or door screens, and then wander aimlessly.

 

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