Angular Fungus Beetle
Cryptophagus acutangulus
This record describes Cryptophagus acutangulus (species). Recorded family: Cryptophagidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
pronotum distinctive among its NA congeners in being widest at the level of the anterior angles
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Cucujoidea
- Family
- Cryptophagidae (Silken Fungus Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cryptophaginae
- Tribe
- Cryptophagini
- Genus
- Cryptophagus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
stored products, wild habitats ( 3 ) , attics, mills ( 4 )
Geographic Range
probably a Holarctic spp. (common throughout n. Eurasia in the wild), but distribution in our area may have been influenced by commerce ; found across NA and around the world
Diet and Behavior
Diet: dry rot fungus Serpula lacrymans (=Merulius) indoors
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cryptophagus acutangulus. 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 Angular Fungus Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Angular Fungus Beetle
What is Angular Fungus Beetle?
Angular Fungus Beetle (Cryptophagus acutangulus) is a species in the family Cryptophagidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Angular Fungus Beetle?
1.9–3.0 mm
How do you identify Angular Fungus Beetle?
pronotum distinctive among its NA congeners in being widest at the level of the anterior angles
Where is Angular Fungus Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | stored products, wild habitats ( 3 ) , attics, mills ( 4 ) |
| Range | probably a Holarctic spp. (common throughout n. Eurasia in the wild), but distribution in our area may have been influenced by commerce ; found across NA and around the world |
What does Angular Fungus Beetle eat?
The diet of the Angular Fungus Beetle includes dry rot fungus Serpula lacrymans (=Merulius) indoors.