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Genus Megalodacne

Fungus Beetle - Megalodacne fasciata BG2707 E6489 - Megalodacne fasciata Orange and black beetle - Megalodacne fasciata Megalodacne fasciata Orange and Black Beetle - Megalodacne heros Red and black beetle - Megalodacne heros Megalodacne heros? - Megalodacne heros Pleasing Fungus Beetle - Megalodacne fasciata
Classification
Kingdom Animalia (Animals)
Phylum Arthropoda (Arthropods)
Subphylum Hexapoda (Hexapods)
Class Insecta (Insects)
Order Coleoptera (Beetles)
Suborder Polyphaga
No Taxon (Series Cucujiformia)
Superfamily Cucujoidea
No Taxon (Erotylid series)
Family Erotylidae (Pleasing Fungus Beetles)
Subfamily Erotylinae (Pleasing Fungus Beetles)
Tribe Encaustini
Genus Megalodacne
Pronunciation
meg-al-o-DAK-nee
Explanation of Names
Megalodacne Crotch, 1873.
Numbers
Two Nearctic species.
Identification
Adults large, brightly colored/patterned.
Larvae (found in bracket fungi) are highly sclerotized.
Range
e. NA - Map (1)
Life Cycle
Larvae feed on bracket fungi. Adults overwinter under bark, often in groups.
Remarks
Megalodacne fasciata is easily confused with Megalodacne heros. M. heros is larger, and lacks the rows of fine punctures on the elytra that are characteristic of M. fasciata.
Side by side comparison (M. fasciata on left, M. heros on right):


Note also different form of scutellar macula, and pronotal sides near hind angles (slightly concave in heros / straight to slightly convex in fasciata).
Print References
(2)
(3)
Internet References
Works Cited
1.Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)
2.A Manual of Common Beetles of Eastern North America
Dillon, Elizabeth S., and Dillon, Lawrence. 1961. Row, Peterson, and Company.
3.How to Know the Beetles
Ross H. Arnett, N. M. Downie, H. E. Jaques. 1980. Wm. C. Brown Publishers.