Black Fungus Beetle
Alphitobius laevigatus
This record describes Alphitobius laevigatus (species). Recorded family: Tenebrionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
differs from A. diaperinus in having the eye more deeply incised (width about 1 facet laterally) and the pronotum more convex, its lateral margins more rounded and the basal bead complete
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Tenebrionidae (Darkling Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Tenebrioninae
- Tribe
- Alphitobiini
- Genus
- Alphitobius
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
infests flour, bread, and maize in processing plants , thrives in damp and moldy conditions ; in Europe, occurs in the wild on fungi in logs
Geographic Range
cosmopolitan, of tropical origin; e. half of the US (CT-FL to WI-TX), CA & so. ON
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Both the adult and larva are general feeders; a sign of infestation is a disagreeable odour
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Alphitobius laevigatus (Fabricius 1781)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Alphitobius laevigatus. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Black Fungus Beetle (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Black Fungus Beetle
What is Black Fungus Beetle?
Black Fungus Beetle (Alphitobius laevigatus) is a species in the family Tenebrionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Black Fungus Beetle?
5.0-6.6 mm
How do you identify Black Fungus Beetle?
differs from A. diaperinus in having the eye more deeply incised (width about 1 facet laterally) and the pronotum more convex, its lateral margins more rounded and the basal bead complete
Where is Black Fungus Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | infests flour, bread, and maize in processing plants , thrives in damp and moldy conditions ; in Europe, occurs in the wild on fungi in logs |
| Range | cosmopolitan, of tropical origin; e. half of the US (CT-FL to WI-TX), CA & so. ON |
What does Black Fungus Beetle eat?
The diet of the Black Fungus Beetle includes Both the adult and larva are general feeders; a sign of infestation is a disagreeable odour.