Neomida bicornis

(Fabricius, 1777)

Two-horned Darkling Beetle

Neomida bicornis, commonly known as the Two-horned Darkling Beetle, is a small of darkling beetle in the Tenebrionidae. The species is characterized by the distinctive horn-like projections on its , from which its specific epithet derives. It has been documented across eastern and central North America, with observations ranging from Canada to the United States. The species is attracted to artificial light sources at night.

Neomida bicornis by (c) Justin Williams, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Justin Williams. Used under a CC-BY license.Neomida bicornis by (c) Justin Williams, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Justin Williams. Used under a CC-BY license.Neomida bicornis by (c) Katja Schulz, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Neomida bicornis: /niːoʊˈmaɪdə bɪˈkɔrnɪs/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Distinguished from other small darkling beetles by the presence of two horn-like projections on the . The combination of small size, dark coloration, and cephalic horns separates it from other Neomida and similar tenebrionids in its range.

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Distribution

Eastern and central North America. Documented from Canadian provinces including Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Prince Edward Island. Observed in the United States including Kansas (Leavenworth County).

Behavior

Nocturnally active; has been observed being attracted to porch lights at night.

Human Relevance

Occasionally encountered by homeowners and naturalists due to its attraction to artificial lighting. Not known to be a pest .

Similar Taxa

  • Other Neomida speciesLack the distinctive two-horned cephalic projections characteristic of N. bicornis
  • General small TenebrionidaeAbsence of horn-like projections and typically different body proportions

More Details

Taxonomic note

The specific epithet 'bicornis' directly references the two-horned appearance of this , making it one of the more descriptively named darkling beetles.

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Sources and further reading