02316nas a2200157   4500008004100000020001400041245008700055210006900142260000800211300001000219490000700229520175200236100002801988700002802016856011402044       2010                        eng d  a1343-878600aExternal exoskeletal cavities in Coleoptera and their possible mycangial functions0 aExternal exoskeletal cavities in Coleoptera and their possible m  cMar  a81-980 v133 aThis paper reviews the occurrence of external exoskeletal cavities in beetles and provides critical reassessment of their possible mycangial function. In most reported cases, the decision to attribute mycangial function to exoskeletal cavities was based solely on the combination of two factors: (i) observation of these cavities on beetle's body; and (ii) knowledge that this particular beetle species uses fungi as a food source. Such reasoning resulted in the assumption, occasionally premature and not supported by other evidence, that exoskeletal pits in the following families may function as mycangia: Rhysodidae, Ptiliidae, Staphylinidae, Hybosoridae, Scarabaeidae, Derodontidae, Ptinidae, Jacobsoniidae, Boganiidae, Cryptophagidae, Endomychidae, Erotylidae, Latridiidae, Nitidulidae, Phloeostichidae, Silvanidae, Sphindidae, Pyrochroidae, Anthribidae, Attelabidae and Curculionidae. We conclude that only two beetle families include species with adequately documented cases of external exoskeletal mycangia: (i) Curculionidae (some Scolytinae and Platypodinae); and (ii) the structurally complex mycangia of Attelabidae (Euops females). One or more species of Sphindidae, Erotylidae, Silvanidae, and Latridiidae have likely functional mycangia. Exoskeletal pits with uncertain function are additionally reported from the following families: Cupedidae, Ommatidae, Lepiceridae, Carabidae, Histeridae, Hydraenidae, Leiodidae, Elmidae, Artematopodidae, Throscidae, Elateridae, Rhinorhipidae, Biphyllidae, Cerylonidae, Cyclaxyridae, Monotomidae, Mycetophagidae and Zopheridae. We also discuss the transport of fungal spores and conidia by waxy exudates or debris build up on beetle exoskeleton, as well as their passive attachment to the body.1 aGrebennikov, Vasily, V.1 aLeschen, Richard, A. B.  uhttps://weevil.myspecies.info/external-exoskeletal-cavities-coleoptera-and-their-possible-mycangial-functions