Pleasing Fungus Beetles (Dacne picta) [Photos 1 & 2] are two views of (two) beetle specimens.

Found on a dead standing pine tree covered with (Polyporus sp.) fungus [Photos 3-6 are a progression of the fungus over a couple of weeks].

At the suggestion of Blaine Mathison / BG Contributing Editor I forwarded photos of the beetles and host fungus to Dr. Paul Skelley / Chief Entomologist - Florida Dept. of Agriculture. Dr. Skelley identified the beetle photos as (Dacne picta).

As it turns out Marc DiGirolomo / BG Contributing Editor had been in communication with Dr. Skelley earlier in the week regarding the discovery of (Dacne picta) in a funnel trap in Brooklyn, NY. Marc to enter the referenced BG sighting for Brooklyn, NY.

At Dr. Skelley's request I collected and sent him the Gwinnett County, GA beetle specimens and a sample of the host fungus for his examination. He should receive the specimens early this week.

Dr. Skelley notified Dr. Joseph McHugh / UGA-Athens about the discovery of (Dacne picta) in Georgia. Dr. McHugh and the UGA entomology students are keeping their eyes open for (D. picta) in the field elsewhere in Georgia.

Hope I have summarized this sighting history okay. If not Blaine and Marc please update/ correct as needed.