Mycetophagus punctatus
{{Short description|Species of beetle}}
{{Distinguish|text=Typhaea stercorea}}
{{Speciesbox
| image = Day 139 - Hairy Fungus Beetle - Mycetophagus punctatus, Woodbridge, Virginia.jpg
| image_caption =
| genus = Mycetophagus
| species = punctatus
| authority = Say, 1826
}}
Mycetophagus punctatus, the hairy fungus beetle, is a species of fungus beetle. It can be found in households given the presence of decaying matter and sufficient dampness.{{Cite web |last=J. Shetlar |first=David |date=Oct 19, 2011 |title=Fungus Beetles |url=https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/HYG-2084-10 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20081007060216/http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2084.html |archive-date=2008-10-07 |website=Ohioline: Ohio State University Extension}}
Description
The hairy fungus beetle is 4.0 to 5.5 cm in body length and features red-yellow markings on its black elytra. Its antennae are red-brown becoming black nearing the tips.{{Cite book |last=G. Bland |first=Roger |title=How to Know the Insects |last2=H. E. |first2=Jaques |publisher=Waveland Press |date=May 12, 2010 |isbn=9781478608035 |edition=3rd |pages=220–221}} It features short hairs on its body.{{Cite book |last=Say |first=Thomas |title=American Entomology |last2=Ord |first2=George |publisher=J.W. Bouton |year=1869 |location=The Ohio State University |pages=321}}
Ecology and behavior
Hairy fungus beetles typically proliferate during late summer to early fall in moist environments such as decaying plant material, cellars or houses, especially around bathtubs or sinks. They are also attracted to damp cereals, herbs, spices, cheese, fruit preserves, fibers, including carpet, and light sources, but do not cause any damage. The use of fungicides is known to limit their presence. They do not bite humans or spread any diseases.