Species Account for Mycetophagus piceus

Essex Red Data List comment
Essex Post-1969 record/s; VC18 1970-on record/s; VC19 1970-on record/s.

Species text
Mycetophagus piceus is a Widespread but local fungus beetle recorded in England and Wales, and also in South West Scotland. It is found under fungus infected bark and in bracket fungi on broad leaved timber and is believed to be restricted to old woodland, with an Indicator status Grade 2 in Garland (1983); Grade 3 in Harding & Rose (1986). The fungus beetle lives and breeds in red-rotten heart wood of oak attacked by the fungus Laetiporus sulphureus, and is also recorded under oak bark, under beech, in a bracket fungus on elm, in oyster fungi, and probably in other fungi and other trees attacked by L. sulphureus. Ancient and fungus-infected trees and both fallen and standing dead timber, especially with the bark attached, should be retained. The removal of dead timber from ancient and fungus-infected trees should be avoided. Gaps in the age structure of the tree population should be identified and the continuity of the appropriate habitat ensured by regeneration, suitable planting and possibly with pollarding (Hyman & Parsons, 1992). References

Habitats

Recorded management for locations with Mycetophagus piceus

Recorded substrate and hydrology for locations with Mycetophagus piceus

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