Mycetophagus piceus
This record describes Mycetophagus piceus (species). Recorded family: Mycetophagidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length about 5 mm. This beetle has dark brown or blackish elytra marked with almost a full orange band near pronotal base and other smaller orange markings. It has a black head, and dark reddish pronotum. It is found under fungus infected bark and in bracket fungi on broad leaved timber and is believed to be restricted to old woodland. Widespread but local fungus beetle recorded in England and Wales, and also in South West Scotland. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Mycetophagidae
- Genus
- Mycetophagus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It is found under fungus infected bark and in bracket fungi on broad leaved timber and is believed to be restricted to old woodland.
Seasonal Activity
Best from April to September.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread but local fungus beetle recorded in England and Wales, and also in South West Scotland.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Mycetophagus piceus. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mycetophagus piceus
What is Mycetophagus piceus?
Mycetophagus piceus is a species in the family Mycetophagidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Mycetophagus piceus?
about 5 mm. This beetle has dark brown or blackish elytra marked with almost a full orange band near pronotal base and other smaller orange markings. It has a black head, and dark reddish pronotum.
Where is Mycetophagus piceus found?
Habitat: It is found under fungus infected bark and in bracket fungi on broad leaved timber and is believed to be restricted to old woodland.
When is Mycetophagus piceus active?
Mycetophagus piceus: seasonal activity - Best from April to September..