Pleasing Fungus Beetles are fascinating insects often found in wet, forested areas. They come in various sizes and colors, with some species boasting vibrant hues such as blue with black spots. These beetles thrive on feeding on fungi, making them common residents of rotting, downed logs. Due to their preference for fungi, they play a valuable role in breaking down decaying organic matter and supporting the ecosystem.
Some Pleasing Fungus Beetles measure between 2.0 to 3.5 mm, while others can be as large as 14.0 to 22.0 mm. Their shiny exoskeletons can exhibit varying shades and patterns, such as black with yellowish-orange bands. The life cycle of these beetles includes a larval stage that typically lasts only a few days before they mature into the captivating adults we recognize.
In this article, we’ll explore the unique characteristics of Pleasing Fungus Beetles, including their habitat, diet, and role in the environment. We’ll also delve into their fascinating life cycle, explaining how these intriguing insects transform from larvae to striking, colorful adults. So, gear up to uncover the mysteries of Pleasing Fungus Beetles and their importance in the natural world.
Biology and Taxonomy of Pleasing Fungus Beetles
Family Erotylidae
Pleasing Fungus Beetles belong to the family Erotylidae, which consists of beetles that feed primarily on fungi. They are known for their distinctive, often striking colorations. The family is diverse, with over 3,500 species worldwide.
Genera Megalodacne and Pseudischyrus
Two genera of Pleasing Fungus Beetles are Megalodacne and Pseudischyrus. Members of Megalodacne are elongate oval in shape, ranging from 14 to 22 mm in length, and adorned with shiny black and contrasting yellowish-orange bands on their forewings [1(https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/imegalodacnei-pleasing-fungus-beetles)]. Pseudischyrus beetles range in size from 2 to 3.5 mm long and have an egg-shaped body [2(https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/misc/beetles/pleasing_fungus_beetles.htm)].
Some features of Megalodacne and Pseudischyrus beetles:
- Megalodacne:
- Elongate oval shape
- 14 to 22 mm long
- Shiny black with yellowish-orange bands
- Pseudischyrus:
- Egg-shaped body
- 2 to 3.5 mm long
Order Coleoptera and Superfamily Cucujoidea
Pleasing Fungus Beetles belong to the order Coleoptera, the largest order of insects with over 350,000 known species worldwide. Coleoptera includes diverse beetles like ladybugs, weevils, and fireflies. Pleasing Fungus Beetles are within the superfamily Cucujoidea, which encompasses around 10 different families of beetles.
Comparison Table:
Classification | Members | Examples |
---|---|---|
Order | Coleoptera | Ladybugs, Weevils, Fireflies |
Superfamily | Cucujoidea | Pleasing Fungus Beetles, Silvanidae |
Family | Erotylidae (Pleasing Fungus Beetles) | Megalodacne, Pseudischyrus |
Genus | Megalodacne, Pseudischyrus (Pleasing Fungus Beetles) | Megalodacne fasciata, Pseudischyrus alpinus |
Keep in mind that taxonomy is not set in stone and is subject to change as new scientific discoveries are made.
Physical Description and Varieties
Gibbifer Californicus
- Grayish-blue body
- Black spots on the elytra
Gibbifer Californicus is a type of pleasing fungus beetle that is characterized by its grayish-blue body and black spots on its elytra (wing covers).
Megalodacne Heros
- Shiny black or blue body
- Yellowish-orange bands
The Megalodacne Heros, on the other hand, has a shiny black or blue body with contrasting yellowish-orange bands on its forewings1.
Feature | Gibbifer Californicus | Megalodacne Heros |
---|---|---|
Color | Grayish-blue | Shiny black or blue |
Patterns | Black spots | Yellowish-orange bands |
Colors and Patterns
Pleasing fungus beetles exhibit a variety of colors and patterns:
- Blue with black spots
- Shiny black with yellowish-orange bands
The colors and patterns of pleasing fungus beetles can vary depending on the species, such as the blue with black spots found in Gibbifer Californicus or the shiny black with yellowish-orange bands present in Megalodacne Heros1.
Distribution and Habitat
North America Locations
Pleasing Fungus Beetles can be found in various locations across North America:
- California: They are often seen in moist, forested areas.
- Colorado, Wyoming, Kansas: Higher elevations provide ideal habitats.
- Arizona, New Mexico: Wet regions serve as suitable breeding grounds.
Example: In Florida, many species are less than 10 mm in length.
Mexican Varieties
Mexican Pleasing Fungus Beetles are also quite diverse:
- Adapted to various environments.
- Often found in tropical rainforests.
Bat Roost Habitats
Another surprising habitat for these beetles is inside bat roosts:
- Feed on bat guano for nutrients.
- Benefit from the protection provided by the bats.
Location | Species Size | Preferred Habitat | Additional Notes |
---|---|---|---|
California | < 10 mm | Moist, forested areas | |
Colorado, Wyoming, and Kansas | Variable | Higher elevation | More common in wetter environments |
Arizona, New Mexico | Variable | Wet regions | Often found in moist microhabitats |
Mexico | Variable | Various environments | Mostly found in tropical rainforests |
Bat Roosts | Variable | Dark, protected spaces | Feed on bat guano and enjoy protection from predators |
Key Characteristics of Pleasing Fungus Beetles:
- Elongate-oval or egg-shaped body.
- Range in size from 2.0 to 22.0 mm long.
- Feed on fungi and rotting logs.
Example: The most common species in U.S. National Park Service is blue with black spots.
Diet and Relationship with Fungi
Feeding on Bracket Fungi
Pleasing Fungus Beetles primarily feed on fungi, particularly bracket fungi. These beetles can be found on rotting, downed logs where fungi are abundant1.
Examples of bracket fungi include:
- Ganoderma applanatum
- Trametes versicolor
- Fomes fomentarius
Role in Pest Control
Pleasing Fungus Beetles offer a role in pest control since they help control certain fungal pests2. Their feeding habits help regulate fungi populations, which can sometimes become invasive and damaging to plants.
Pros:
- Regulate fungi populations
- Prevent invasive fungi growth
Cons:
- Limited to specific fungal species
- Effectiveness depends on beetle population
Bracket Fungi | Fungus Beetle Diet | Pest Control Role |
---|---|---|
Ganoderma applanatum | Yes | Yes |
Trametes versicolor | Yes | Yes |
Fomes fomentarius | Yes | No |
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Laying Eggs
Pleasing Fungus Beetles lay their eggs on rotting vegetation or near fungi, providing a food source for their larvae. They typically lay a small number of eggs at a time, often in clusters.
Larval Stage
Once the eggs hatch, the larvae emerge and begin to feed on fungi. These larvae have a brief life span, only lasting a few days before entering the pupal stage.
- Features of larvae:
- White or tan color
- Worm-like body
Pupal Stage
During the pupal stage, the beetle undergoes a transformation known as complete metamorphosis. This process takes roughly 7 to 10 days, after which the adult beetle emerges.
Here is a comparison table of the different life stages of Pleasing Fungus Beetle:
Life Stage | Duration | Characteristics |
---|---|---|
Egg | 7 to 10 days | Small, laid on rotting vegetation or near fungi |
Larvae | A few days | White or tan, worm-like body, feeds on fungi |
Pupa | 7 to 10 days | Transformation, complete metamorphosis |
Adult | Varies | Elongate-oval or egg-shaped, feeds on fungi, can reproduce |
The life cycle of Pleasing Fungus Beetles is fairly quick, allowing them to maintain a stable population within their environment. The common blue Pleasing Fungus Beetle with black spots, for example, thrives in higher, wetter elevations, feeding on various fungi found on decaying logs.
Pleasing Fungus Beetles in Literature and Research
Studies by Entomologists
Researchers have focused on understanding and identifying pleasing fungus beetles. Two key works used for identifying these beetles are a study by Boyle (1956) and another by Dillon and Dillon (1961)1. The beetles approximately range in size from 2.0 to 22.0 mm1.
Jeff Mitton’s Observations
Jeff Mitton, an ecologist, made observations on Megalodacne pleasing fungus beetles. These beetles are characterized by their shiny black bodies and yellowish-orange bands on their forewings2. They have an elongate oval body shape2, and their size varies between ½ to 7/8 inch long2.
Features of Pleasing Fungus Beetles:
- Range of 2.0 to 22.0 mm in size1
- Elongate oval or egg-shaped body1
- Shiny black bodies with yellowish-orange bands on forewings2
Characteristics of Megalodacne Pleasing Fungus Beetles:
Footnotes
13 Comments. Leave new
This one might be Gibbifer elevatus or Gibbifer cf. elevatus:
http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/290066008
http://www.sil.si.edu/digitalcollections/bca/navigation/bca_12_07_00/bca_12_07_00showplate.cfm?id=300
(#4)
This one might be Gibbifer elevatus or Gibbifer cf. elevatus:
http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/290066008
http://www.sil.si.edu/digitalcollections/bca/navigation/bca_12_07_00/bca_12_07_00showplate.cfm?id=300
(#4)
Thank you for the information and links.
Hey Daniel, is this beetle maybe mis-categorized under “resin bee”?
Wow, I don’t know how that happened, but with over 18,000 postings, there are probably other miscategorizations. It is now corrected.
I have one of these beautiful beetles in my collection. Its a Four-spotted sap beetle, Glischrochilus quadrisidnatus. I think it’s a species from the Handsome Fungus Beetle family.
Thanks. We found a link to BugGuide and we do not believe that is a correct identification.
Thank you very much for the information. I’ve ordered the book you mentioned, I have a couple of other mystery beetles I have photographed, perhaps I can locate them there. Thanks again for all your help.
The genera Gibbifer and Cypherotylus seem to be synonymous. BugGuide treats Gibbifer as the valid name.
I confirm it is one of these.
Coleoptera Neotropical also = Gibbifer.
Thanks Boris.
The genera Gibbifer and Cypherotylus seem to be synonymous. BugGuide treats Gibbifer as the valid name.
I confirm it is one of these.
How can I kill the Pleasing Fungus Beetle as they are killing my 30 year old Maple Tree.