Fungus Beetles (Cypherotylus asperus) belong to the family Erotylidae. The name ‘fungus beetle’ may be applied to several closely-related groups of beetles. The most commonly encountered ‘fungus beetles’ are the ‘Silken Fungus Beetles’ and the ‘Minute Brown Scavenger Beetles’. As its common name implies, they feed on a wide variety of fungi. Find out more!

Fungus beetles feed on mold or mildews and are attracted to anything that is musty smelling. Moisture levels in new buildings will often attract these insects. Fungus Beetles are harmless, but small enough to get through most screening, vents and other openings. They can be found flying around in homes during late summer.

They are small red/orange and black. Some of these beetles show a bright blue or green colour against the primarily black shell and some of these beetles are entirely brown or black. In the southeastern United States, most of these beetles are black with a simple red hood, however, a few species in that area are much more elaborately patterned.

Since several simaliar beetles share this same colour pattern, other characteristics are needed for a proper identification. The various fungus beetles measure from 2 – 5 millimetres in length (1/10 – 1/6 inch). Some Fungus beetles have a clubbed antennae. Some have their bodies covered with dense pubescence and/or dimples – like punctures.

Fungus beetles have a complete metamorphosis (egg- larva-pupa-adult) and the developmental period varies according to the temperature.