Biological and distributional overview of the genus Eledonoprius (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae): Rare fungus-feeding beetles of European old-growth forests

Abstract

All the information on the genus Eledonoprius was gathered to provide an up to-date overview of the geographical distribution and ecology of its species, and to assess their association with old-growth forests. Based on recent samples collected in deciduous forests and woodlands of Italy, the authors outline the habitats of these rare species and give an account of their trophic relations with bracket fungi. E. armatus is recorded in Central Italy and Sardinia for the first time; E. serrifrons is new to Basilicata (Southern Italy) and Syria.

Keywords

• tenebrionidae
• eledonoprius
• saproxylic fauna
• mycophagy
• bracket fungi
• forest ecosystems
• old trees
• cork oaks