Two-banded Fungus Beetle
Alphitophagus bifasciatus
This record describes Alphitophagus bifasciatus (species). Recorded family: Tenebrionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Two-banded Fungus Beetle (Alphitophagus bifasciatus) is a species in the family Tenebrionidae, commonly known as darkling beetles, belonging to the order Coleoptera (Beetles). It is classified within the subfamily Diaperinae, tribe Diaperini, suborder Polyphaga, superfamily Tenebrionoidea. This species belongs to the genus Alphitophagus. As a member of class Insecta, phylum Arthropoda, it is part of the kingdom Animalia. Size: 2.2-2.5 mm. It is found in damp, moldy grain and spoiled cereal products in granaries, grain elevators, mills, warehouses; also in natural conditions under tree bark and in decaying plant matter.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Tenebrionidae (Darkling Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Diaperinae
- Tribe
- Diaperini
- Genus
- Alphitophagus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
damp, moldy grain and spoiled cereal products in granaries, grain elevators, mills, warehouses; also in natural conditions under tree bark and in decaying plant matter ( 4 )
Geographic Range
across US & Europe - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: fungi and mold in refuse grain and grain products
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Alphitophagus bifasciatus (Say 1824)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Alphitophagus bifasciatus. 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 Two-banded Fungus Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Boris Büche; Additional contributions by Bbarnd , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Two-banded Fungus Beetle
What is Two-banded Fungus Beetle?
Two-banded Fungus Beetle (Alphitophagus bifasciatus) is a species in the family Tenebrionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Two-banded Fungus Beetle?
2.2-2.5 mm
Where is Two-banded Fungus Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | damp, moldy grain and spoiled cereal products in granaries, grain elevators, mills, warehouses; also in natural conditions under tree bark and in decaying plant matter ( 4 ) |
| Range | across US & Europe - Map |
What does Two-banded Fungus Beetle eat?
The diet of the Two-banded Fungus Beetle includes fungi and mold in refuse grain and grain products.