any of approximately 200 described species of beetles (insect order Coleoptera) that are small, oval, and hairy. These beetles are commonly found on shelf fungi, under bark, or in rotting plant material. Hairy fungus beetles are black or brown and often have orange or red markings. They range between 1.5 and 5.5 mm (0.06 and 0.2 inch) in length. Some, like Typhaea stercorea, can be pests of stored products.