Silken Fungus Beetles- Cryptophagidae

The cryptophagids, or silken fungus beetles, are tiny, yellowish-brown Coleoptera covered with fine silky hair. Often the pronotum is raised and has a toothed edge. Most species are found in decaying vegetable material or around fungi. The tiny Atomaria linearis is a serious pest of sugar beet seedlings. Other species spread mold in foods.

Cryptophagus. Members of the large genus Cryptophagus are sometimes found in the tunnels of bark beetles. They also occur in the nests of wasps and bumblebees.