Forked Fungus Beetle
ExploreInsects
Forked Fungus Beetle
Bolitotherus cornutus
The Forked Fungus Beetle is a small insect that loves to munch on mushrooms! It has unique forked horns that make it look very special. These beetles are often found in damp, wooded areas.
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The Forked Fungus Beetle has a rugged, dark brown to black body covered in a bumpy texture. Males are distinct with two prominent, forward-pointing 'horns' on their head, resembling tiny antlers. Its overall shape is oval and flattened.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderColeopteraFamilyTenebrionidaeGenusGnatocerus
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
A male beetle's impressive horns can be almost as long as its entire body!
Their larvae tunnel deep inside mushrooms and fungi for weeks, munching away!
These beetles can live for over a year, spending most of it hidden within a fungus!
When threatened, these beetles often play dead, freezing perfectly still until danger passes!
Special abilities
Ability
Antlered Combat
Forked Fungus Beetle males can use their distinctive 'horns' to wrestle rival males, showing off their strength.
Ability
Fungal Navigator
Forked Fungus Beetle can expertly locate wood-decaying fungi by smell, helping them find food and shelter.
Ability
Hardened Hide
Forked Fungus Beetle has a tough, bumpy exoskeleton that helps them blend in and protects them from predators.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 10-22 mm
- Size
- 5-11 mm
- Lifespan
- 90-270 days
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
These beetles munch on various fungi and mushrooms found on dead or decaying wood.
Age differences: Larvae and adults both feed on fungi, with larvae living entirely within the fungal host.
Primary Foods
- Bracket fungi
- Polypore mushrooms
- Wood-decaying fungi
- Mushrooms
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eats
Dryad's Saddle
Polyporus squamosus
They feed on the fruiting bodies of this shelf fungus.
eats
Artist's Conk
Ganoderma applanatum
Both larvae and adults consume its hard woody tissues.
eaten by
Blue Jay
Cyanocitta cristata
Jays can spot these beetles on bark and snatch them up.
eaten by
White-footed Mouse
Peromyscus leucopus
These small mammals will prey on beetles they discover.
Traits
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Horned
Characterized by having one or more hard, permanent, pointed projections on the head.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Decomposer
Describes organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Miniature
Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
It's best to look at beetles from a distance and not touch them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Forked Fungus Beetle's wingspan?
10-22 mm
How big is Forked Fungus Beetle?
5-11 mm
How long does Forked Fungus Beetle live?
90-270 days
What does Forked Fungus Beetle eat?
These beetles munch on various fungi and mushrooms found on dead or decaying wood.
Where is Forked Fungus Beetle usually found?
Forests
How does Forked Fungus Beetle hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Forked Fungus Beetle have?
6
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
_Female_Dos.jpg&width=800)
