Four-Spotted Fungus Beetle
Ischyrus quadripunctatus
This record describes Ischyrus quadripunctatus (species). Recorded family: Erotylidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
larvae Typically found in reasonably large groups. Pattern is likely aposematic . These beetles were seen to be ignored by an insectivorous Five-lined Skink, Eumeces fasciatus , in Orange Co., NC--the beetles even brushed against the basking skink while traversing a log! (Personal observation, P. Coin , 5/21/10)
Identification notes
larvae
Wikipedia reference for Ischyrus quadripunctatus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ischyrus_quadripunctatus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Cucujoidea
- Family
- Erotylidae (Pleasing Fungus Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Erotylinae
- Tribe
- Tritomini
- Genus
- Ischyrus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
adults under rubbish in winter and on fungi in summer ( 5 )
Geographic Range
e. N. Amer., AZ - Map , mostly e. US to c. TX I. q. quadripunctatus QC-FL to MB-TX to S America; I. q. chiasticus sw US & Mexico
Seasonal Activity
adults come to lights almost year-round in c.TX. =v=
Diet and Behavior
Diet: soft polypores
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Ischyrus quadripunctatus ( Olivier 1791)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Ischyrus quadripunctatus. 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 Four-Spotted Fungus Beetle (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Stephen_WV; Additional contributions by cotinis , Bbarnd , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Four-Spotted Fungus Beetle
What is Four-Spotted Fungus Beetle?
Four-Spotted Fungus Beetle (Ischyrus quadripunctatus) is a species in the family Erotylidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Four-Spotted Fungus Beetle?
4.8-8.1 mm
How do you identify Four-Spotted Fungus Beetle?
larvae
Where is Four-Spotted Fungus Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | adults under rubbish in winter and on fungi in summer ( 5 ) |
| Range | e. N. Amer., AZ - Map , mostly e. US to c. TX I. q. quadripunctatus QC-FL to MB-TX to S America; I. q. chiasticus sw US & Mexico |
What does Four-Spotted Fungus Beetle eat?
The diet of the Four-Spotted Fungus Beetle includes soft polypores.
When is Four-Spotted Fungus Beetle active?
Four-Spotted Fungus Beetle: seasonal activity - adults come to lights almost year-round in c.TX. =v=.