Cypherotylus asperus

Cypherotylus asperus
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Coleoptera
Family:	Erotylidae
Genus:	Cypherotylus
Species:	C. asperus
Binomial name
Cypherotylus asperus Gorham, 1888

Cypherotylus asperus, the rough fungus beetle, is a species of pleasing fungus beetle (family Erotylidae). The bright colours and interesting patterns of C. asperus have made it one of the most outstanding in the beetle group; however, its natural habits and characteristics are rarely seen by casual bug watchers. This particular group of beetle feeds primarily on fungus, hence its common name. While these insects are present globally and appear in most ecosystems, they are primarily found in tropical areas.

Physical description

Cypherotylus asperus is usually recognized by its contrasting orange and black colour (though there are exceptions to this rule). As pictured above, 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.

Biology

As its common names imply, Cypherotylus asperus feeds on a wide variety of fungi which can supplement the entire family as a whole. The larval stage of Cypherotylus asperus does not usually last long. It is not uncommon for an egg to pupate within two weeks. During that time, the slow moving larvae are only found within the fruiting body of mature fungi. Adult beetles are known to stray away from their host fungi. When looking for these beetles during unfavourable living conditions, it is advisable to inspect the underside of the bark of dead or rotting trees as for other beetles (Asian lady beetle); these insects can compress themselves to fit in tiny spaces.

Cultural references

For the ancient Egyptians, beetles similar to these were worshipped as part of the circle of life. They would associate this beetle's larval existence and adult life with the rising and setting sun (since they would live underground and under bark in their larval stage, and above ground as well as in the air when adult). In fact, the mummies' wrappings signified the bark and mud which larval beetles lived beneath. This act was to prepare the soul for reincarnation to the next world.

References

• Skelley PE. (1999). Pleasing fungus beetles, Pseudischyrus, Tritoma, Megalodacne, Ischyrus spp. Featured Creatures. EENY-91 http://entomology.ifas.ufl.edu/creatures/misc/beetles/pleasing_fungus_beetles.htm (31 July 2008)