Mycetophagus quadripustulatus
This record describes Mycetophagus quadripustulatus (species). Recorded family: Mycetophagidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 5 or 6 mm. A dark blackish beetle with four large oval orange spots. It has a red head and black pronotum. Associated with fungi especially the bracket fungus Polyporus squamosus (Dryads Saddle). Widespread and fairly frequent throughout England north to mid Yorkshire and with scattered records from Scotland.
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
Associated with fungi especially the bracket fungus Polyporus squamosus (Dryads Saddle).
Seasonal Activity
Spring and early summer are peak times.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae are fungus feeders.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and fairly frequent throughout England north to mid Yorkshire and with scattered records from Scotland.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Mycetophagus quadripustulatus. 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 Mycetophagus quadripustulatus (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Mycetophagus quadripustulatus
What is Mycetophagus quadripustulatus?
Mycetophagus quadripustulatus is a species in the family Mycetophagidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Mycetophagus quadripustulatus?
5 or 6 mm. A dark blackish beetle with four large oval orange spots. It has a red head and black pronotum.
Where is Mycetophagus quadripustulatus found?
Habitat: Associated with fungi especially the bracket fungus Polyporus squamosus (Dryads Saddle).
When is Mycetophagus quadripustulatus active?
Mycetophagus quadripustulatus: seasonal activity - Spring and early summer are peak times..
What is the life cycle of a Mycetophagus quadripustulatus?
The larvae are fungus feeders.