Silken fungus beetles Cryptophagus

Classification

Secondary pest; Fungus feeder
Order: Coleoptera
Family: Cryptophagidae
Acronym: CRY

Description

• Adults are small (2 to 3 mm long), oval shaped and flattened.
• Adults range in colour from reddish brown to dark brown and may have yellowish or reddish markings on the elytra.
• In many species, adults have fine hairs on the elytra and pronotum.
• Thorax shape may be diagnostic of the species and may be angled or sculptured with small projections or serrations.
• Larvae are cylindrical, flattened and yellow brown in colour.
• Larvae are active with the head, thoracic legs and urogomphi clearly visible.
• The most common species is Cryptophagus varus Woodroffe and Coombs.

Similar species

• Spotted hairy fungus beetle (Mycetophagus quadriguttatus)
• Hairy fungus beetle (Typhaea stercorea)
• Other silken fungus beetles (other Cryptophagus species, Atomaria species)

Commodities affected

• Does not feed on commodity but rather on associated microorganisms
• May infest cereal grains, wheat, barley, oats, bran, rice, flour, bread, dried fruit, mouldy plant and animal materials

Signs of infestation

• Mouldy, damp grain is often indicative of the presence of the beetles rather than the other way around

Damage

• Both adults and larvae feed on fungal spores and hyphae and do not cause direct damage to the commodity
• Adults are capable of transmitting fungal spores and may promote excessive mold growth in storage

How to control

• Control grain insect pests

Geographic range

• Cryptophagus spp. are found across Canada.
• Cryptophagus varus is found across Canada.

Where found

• Granaries, warehouses, mills, cellars, houses
• Commonly found in granaries in the prairie provinces
• Does not directly damage crop but feeds on associated moulds and fungi indicating poor storage conditions

Life history

• Adults are long-lived and can fly
• Females lay eggs singly on or among the fungal hyphae