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Black Fungus Beetle: Alphitobius Laevigatus (Fabricius)
Black Fungus Beetle: Alphitobius Laevigatus (Fabricius)
Alphitobius laevigatus (Fabricius)
Classification
Secondary pest; Fungus feeder and scavenger
Order: Coleoptera
Family: Tenebrionidae
Acronym: ALA
Description
Adults are dark reddish brown to black and 5.5 to 7.0 mm in length.
Adults can be distinguished from lesser mealworm based on the appearance of lateral
view of the eye. The black fungus beetle's eye is only one facet wide at its narrowest
point.
Larvae are yellow brown in colour and cylindrical in shape.
Images
Similar species
Lesser mealworm (Alphitobius diaperinus)
Commodities affected
Is a fungal feeder and scavenger on a wide variety of stored products
Signs of infestation
No specific signs of infestation are associated with this species
Damage
Black fungus beetle does not feed directly on commodity
Presence of beetles indicates poor sanitation
How to control
Control grain insect pests
Geographic range
Is distributed throughout the world
In Canada, it is only recorded from southern Ontario
Where found
Is a scavenger, thriving in damp and mouldy conditions
Has been recorded outside of Canada, in animal houses, feeding on feces and dead
animals
Unlike the lesser mealworm, it has not been recorded from poultry houses in Canada
Has not been documented in stored products in Canada
Life history
Adults are relatively long lived (400 days) and can fly.
Adults lay eggs in clumps amongst the food source.
Larvae move actively amongst the food source.