Loberus Impressus (LeConte) (Coleoptera: Erotylidae) Fungal Associations and Presence in the Seed Capsules of Iris Hexagona

Adults and larvae of the loberine erotylid beetle Loberus impressus (LeConte) were found associated with fungi growing on corolla and seed capsule tissue of the blue flag iris, Iris hexagona. We examined adult beetle specimens using light and scanning electron microscopy to determine if specialized structures (mycangia) may function in transporting fungi. Two pairs of deep pits on the ventral aspect of the gena between the eyes and the maxillae of both sexes contained fungal spores and hyphae, suggesting a possible role as mycangia in addition to their role as glandular outlets. Inoculation from the surface of cleaned beetle specimens produced colonies of Cladosporium and Fusarium. These genera are widespread, usually air-dispersed conidial fungi that sometimes are associated with insects.