Mycetophagus punctatus

Mycetophagus punctatus, sometimes called the hairy fungus beetle, is a species of fungus beetle.

Mycetophagus punctatus
Hairy Fungus Beetle - Mycetophagus punctatus, Woodbridge, Virginia
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Coleoptera
Family:	Mycetophagidae
Genus:	Mycetophagus
Species:	M. punctatus
Binomial name
Mycetophagus punctatus Say, 1826

Fungus beetles often build large populations throughout the late summer and early fall. These mold-feeding beetles are sometimes found in decaying plant material, foods such as damp cereals, grains, herbs, spices, cheese, jam, fibers and in cellars. Attracted by lights, these small beetles can crawl or fly through window or door screens.

Large populations of fungus beetles may first show up trapped in bathtubs, sinks or around lamps and TV sets. They do not bite, sting, spread human diseases nor damage wood, food or fabric.

Infestation by the beetles can be stopped by keeping the house dry, as these beetles are attracted to moisture. Also avoiding food droppings and safe storage of food in insect-proof containers will prevent attraction to food.

Infestation can be treated using household fungicides or household aerosols by spraying around windows, lights, doors, baseboards and crevasses.