Tribolium parallelum

(Casey, 1890)

Tribolium parallelum is a of darkling beetle in the Tenebrionidae, Tribolium. The genus includes several economically important stored product pests, though specific information about T. parallelum's and pest status is limited in available sources. It is native to Mexico.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Tribolium parallelum: //trɪˈboʊliəm pəˈrælələm//

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Identification

Tribolium parallelum can be distinguished from other Tribolium by its parallel-sided body shape, which gives the species its name. Detailed diagnostic features separating it from the more commonly studied (T. castaneum) and (T. confusum) are not well documented in available literature.

Distribution

Mexico

Human Relevance

Tribolium parallelum is a member of a containing major stored product pests, though its specific economic impact has not been quantified in available sources. The congeneric Tribolium castaneum and T. confusum are among the most damaging secondary pests of stored grain products worldwide.

Similar Taxa

Tribolium castaneum; shares and general body form, but has more rounded sides and is a well-documented pest of stored products
Tribolium confusum; shares and preferences, but has clubbed with four segments versus three in T. castaneum, and prefers cooler temperatures

More Details

Taxonomic note

Tribolium parallelum was described by Casey in 1890. It is less studied than the economically important congeneric T. castaneum and T. confusum, which are frequently referenced in stored product entomology literature.