[2] Sexual states of Symbiotaphrina species (formerly included in the discomycete genus Tromeropsis) are black disk-shaped apothecia with multi-spored asci, and one-celled, unpigmented ascospores.

[3] A few species also have mycelial asexual states with conidium-producing pores ("phialides") in somatic hyphae.

Cells are transmitted between host generations when adults rub them onto egg surfaces eaten by hatched larvae.

These fungi assist beetles with B-vitamin biosynthesis, fatty acid and sterol metabolism, and break down flavonoids and other toxins.

[4] Symbiotic Symbiotaphrina species can be isolated in axenic culture by aseptically dissecting beetle guts, spreading them onto agar, with incubation at 26 °C (79 °F).