44 

 Collecting 



Specimens of the genus Ischyrus can be found feeding 

 on their host fungus. Based on the number of specimens 

 known for most species, we still do not know where to look. 

 Most specimens appear to have been haphazardly collected, 

 even those collected in light traps. 



No definitive statement can be made about where to 

 look for, or how to collect, members of this genus. I have 

 collected various species of Ischyrus and related genera by 

 using a beating square on dead sticks at night. Sticks, 

 limbs, branches, etc., which produced the most specimens 

 were either still on the tree, or on the ground, but 

 suspended above the surface. The only known hosts are 

 prostrate white fungi which seem to prefer dead suspended 

 branches . 



Much work remains to be done in understanding the 

 biology of this genus and the family. (See the Biology 

 section under the Generic Account for additional comments.) 

 Equipment 



Specimens were studied under a binocular dissection 

 microscope, Unitron ZSB, with a zoom-magnification of 0.7x- 

 4.5x and 20x ocular lenses. A Hitachi S-570 scanning 

 electron microscope was used. Although useful in seeing 

 and understanding many of the minute characters, it was not 

 an essential part of this study. I made an effort to base 

 species descriptions and key characters on those visible at 

 low magnifications. 



