Darkling-beetle
Guides
Aconobius densus
Aconobius densus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Thomas L. Casey in 1914. It belongs to the genus Aconobius, a small group of tenebrionid beetles. The species is native to western North America. Like other members of its family, it is adapted to arid or semi-arid environments. Published biological information on this species is extremely limited.
Adelina pallida
Orange Lacquer Beetle
Adelina pallida, commonly known as the Orange Lacquer Beetle, is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. It is distributed in parts of North America and South America, with confirmed records from Mexico and Colombia. The species was first described by Thomas Say in 1824. As a member of Tenebrionidae, it belongs to a large family of beetles primarily adapted to arid and semi-arid environments.
Adelonia
Adelonia is a genus of darkling beetles in the family Tenebrionidae, established by Laporte in 1840. The genus is distributed across the Nearctic and Neotropical regions, with records from Colombia. As a tenebrionid genus, its members are likely ground-dwelling beetles adapted to arid or semi-arid environments, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented. The genus is rarely encountered in collections, with only 11 iNaturalist observations recorded.
Adelonia sulcatula
Adelonia sulcatula is a small darkling beetle (family Tenebrionidae) described by Champion in 1885. The species is known from limited specimens and observations in coastal northern South America and Mexico. It belongs to a genus of beetles adapted to arid and semi-arid environments. Available records suggest it is rarely encountered and poorly studied.
Alaephus
Alaephus is a genus of darkling beetles in the family Tenebrionidae, established by G.H. Horn in 1870. It belongs to the subfamily Pimeliinae and tribe Vacronini. The genus is poorly documented in the literature, with limited information available on its species diversity, biology, and ecology.
Alaudes
Alaudes is a genus of darkling beetles in the family Tenebrionidae, subfamily Pimeliinae, tribe Cnemeplatiini. The genus was revised in 2018, resulting in the description of new species from the southwestern United States and Mexico. It belongs to the subtribe Alaudina, which was established as part of that revisionary work. Members of this genus are part of a diverse radiation of tenebrionid beetles adapted to arid and semi-arid environments.
Alaudes californicus
Alaudes californicus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Aalbu, Caterino & Smith in 2018. The species is known from California and is one of few representatives of the genus Alaudes documented in the region. As a recently described species, detailed biological information remains limited.
Alaudes coloradoensis
Alaudes coloradoensis is a darkling beetle species described in 2018 from Colorado. It belongs to the genus Alaudes in the family Tenebrionidae. The species was erected based on morphological distinctions from congeners. No ecological or behavioral studies have been published.
Alaudes moenkopii
Alaudes moenkopii is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described in 2018 from the southwestern United States. The species epithet refers to the Moenkopi Formation, a geological formation in northern Arizona where the type specimens were collected. It belongs to a small genus of flightless, ground-dwelling beetles adapted to arid environments. As a recently described species, detailed ecological and behavioral information remains limited.
Alaudes singularis
Alaudes singularis is a species of darkling beetle (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) described by George Henry Horn in 1870. The genus Alaudes is a small group within the large family Tenebrionidae, commonly known as darkling beetles. The species epithet 'singularis' suggests it may have been considered distinctive or unique at the time of description. Very limited information is available for this species beyond its taxonomic placement and type locality in Mexico.
Alethia
Alethia is a genus of darkling beetles (family Tenebrionidae) described by Champion in 1888. The genus occurs in the Nearctic and Neotropical regions. Members of this genus are small beetles within the speciose family Tenebrionidae, which comprises primarily detritivorous and fungivorous species.
Alobates barbatus
Alobates barbatus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Knoch in 1801. The genus Alobates is part of a diverse family of beetles commonly found in terrestrial habitats. The specific epithet 'barbatus' refers to a bearded or hairy characteristic, likely describing some aspect of the beetle's morphology. As with many Tenebrionidae, this species is likely associated with decaying organic matter and soil habitats.
Alobates pensylvanicus
false mealworm beetle
Alobates pensylvanicus, commonly known as the false mealworm beetle, is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. It is native to North America and has been documented as a host for parasitic mite larvae, specifically Neotrombidium beeri, which occupy the subelytral space of adult beetles. The species is part of the diverse tenebrionid fauna associated with decaying organic matter and forest floor habitats.
Alphitobius diaperinus
lesser mealworm, litter beetle, buffalo worm
Alphitobius diaperinus is a darkling beetle (family Tenebrionidae) with cosmopolitan distribution. It evolved as a scavenger in bird nests and bat caves but has become a major pest in poultry production facilities and stored grain products. The species is a significant vector of poultry pathogens including bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Its larvae are approved as novel food in the European Union and marketed as "buffalo worms" for human consumption and animal feed.
Alphitobius laevigatus
Black Fungus Beetle
Alphitobius laevigatus, commonly known as the black fungus beetle, is a darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. The species is native to Europe and has been introduced to North America and other regions including the Galápagos Islands. It is commercially bred in large quantities as animal feed, with larvae marketed under the trade name "buffalo worms"—though this name is also used for the related Alphitobius diaperinus, causing potential confusion. Unlike A. diaperinus, A. laevigatus has not been used or discussed for human consumption.
Amarygmini
darkling beetles
Amarygmini is a tribe of darkling beetles (Tenebrionidae) comprising over 80 genera. Adults are active, long-legged beetles capable of flight, primarily associated with tree bark and dead wood habitats. The tribe is notable for having long-lived larvae and relatively short-lived adults. Most species are nocturnal and occur in both natural forests and urban environments.
Ammodonus fossor
Ammodonus fossor is a species of darkling beetle (family Tenebrionidae) described by LeConte in 1847. The species epithet "fossor" (Latin for "digger") suggests fossorial (burrowing) habits, though specific behavioral documentation is limited. It is recorded from Ontario, Canada, with relatively few observations available. As a member of Tenebrionidae, it belongs to a large and diverse family of beetles primarily associated with arid and semi-arid environments, though many species occupy varied habitats.
Ammodonus tropicus
Ammodonus tropicus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Kirsch in 1866. It belongs to the tribe Ammodoniini, a group of small to medium-sized tenebrionids often associated with sandy or arid habitats. The species epithet 'tropicus' suggests a tropical distribution, which aligns with records from Colombia and Mexico.
Amphidorini
Amphidorini is a tribe of darkling beetles (Tenebrionidae) comprising six genera, all native to North America. The tribe was reclassified in 2021 from Tenebrioninae to the resurrected subfamily Blaptinae based on phylogenetic research. The genus Eleodes (desert stink beetles) is the most diverse and widely distributed member, extending into the Neotropics. In 2022, the South American genus Nycterinus was removed from Amphidorini and placed in incertae sedis within Tenebrioninae.
Anaedus
Anaedus is a genus of darkling beetles in the family Tenebrionidae, first described by Blanchard in 1842. Members of this genus are found in the Neotropical region, with confirmed records from Colombia. As with many tenebrionid genera, species-level taxonomy and natural history remain incompletely documented.
Anchomma
Anchomma is a genus of darkling beetles (family Tenebrionidae) established by John Lawrence LeConte in 1858. It belongs to the subfamily Pimeliinae, tribe Stenosini, and subtribe Dichillina. The genus is characterized by morphological features typical of the subtribe Dichillina, including adaptations associated with arid environments. Knowledge of this genus is limited due to its rarity in collections and few documented observations.
Anchomma costatum
Anchomma costatum is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1858. It belongs to a genus of North American beetles. The species is known from limited collection records and appears to be rarely encountered, with only five documented observations on iNaturalist. As with many tenebrionid beetles, it likely inhabits arid or semi-arid environments, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Androchirus
Androchirus is a genus of darkling beetles in the family Tenebrionidae. Species in this genus are found in western North America, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. The genus was established by John Lawrence LeConte in 1862. Based on iNaturalist observations, the genus is moderately well-documented with over 500 records.
Anepsius delicatulus
Anepsius delicatulus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1851. The species is known from Mexico based on distribution records. Very little published information exists regarding its biology, morphology, or ecology. As a member of Tenebrionidae, it belongs to a large family of beetles primarily associated with arid and semi-arid environments, though specific habitat preferences for this species remain undocumented.
Anepsius montanus
Mountain Darkling Beetle
Anepsius montanus is a darkling beetle (Tenebrionidae) described by Casey in 1891. The species is known from Alberta, Canada, with very few documented observations. As a member of the genus Anepsius, it belongs to a group of tenebrionid beetles typically associated with dry, often montane habitats. The common name "Mountain Darkling Beetle" reflects its alpine or subalpine distribution pattern.
Anoplochares apicata
Anoplochares apicata is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. The genus Anoplochares is endemic to New Zealand, and this species represents one of several described members of this genus. Like other tenebrionids, it is adapted to arid or semi-arid environments and exhibits nocturnal habits. The species has been documented in the scientific literature but remains poorly known in terms of detailed biology.
Apocrypha anthicoides
Apocrypha anthicoides is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Eschscholtz in 1831. It belongs to a genus of relatively obscure beetles with limited published natural history information. The species epithet 'anthicoides' suggests a resemblance to beetles in the family Anthicidae (ant-like flower beetles), likely referring to its body form or ant-mimicking appearance. Available records indicate this is a rarely encountered species with minimal documentation in entomological literature.
Apsena grossa
Apsena grossa is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1866. As a member of this large and diverse family, it shares the characteristic hardened forewings (elytra) typical of beetles. The genus Apsena contains multiple species, though detailed biological information for A. grossa specifically remains limited in published literature.
Apsida
Apsida is a genus of darkling beetles in the family Tenebrionidae, first described by Lacordaire in 1859. The genus is distributed across the Nearctic and Neotropical regions, with records from Colombia. As a member of the diverse Tenebrionidae family, these beetles are likely adapted to arid or semi-arid environments typical of many tenebrionid lineages.
Araeoschizus airmeti
Araeoschizus airmeti is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Tanner in 1945. It belongs to the genus Araeoschizus, a group of beetles found in arid and semi-arid regions of western North America. The species is known from very few observations, suggesting it may be rare, geographically restricted, or under-collected. Like other members of its family, it likely inhabits dry environments and exhibits nocturnal or crepuscular activity patterns.
Araeoschizus andrewsi
Araeoschizus andrewsi is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Papp in 1981. The genus Araeoschizus belongs to the large and diverse family Tenebrionidae, which comprises primarily detritivorous beetles found in arid and semi-arid environments. Very little specific information is documented about this particular species beyond its taxonomic description.
Araeoschizus apachensis
Araeoschizus apachensis is a darkling beetle species in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Papp in 1981. The genus Araeoschizus contains species characterized by flattened body forms adapted for living under bark or in rock crevices. This species is known from a small number of observations, primarily from the southwestern United States.
Argoporis
Argoporis is a genus of darkling beetles in the family Tenebrionidae, established by Horn in 1870. The genus contains more than 20 described species distributed across North America. Members of this genus are part of the diverse tenebrionid fauna characteristic of arid and semi-arid regions.
Argoporis alutacea
Argoporis alutacea is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Casey in 1890. The genus Argoporis is part of a diverse group of beetles commonly found in arid and semi-arid environments. Very little specific biological information has been published for this species. Records indicate a distribution in Mexico.
Argoporis costipennis
Argoporis costipennis is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, originally described by LeConte in 1851. It belongs to the genus Argoporis, which comprises flightless beetles endemic to western North America. The species is recorded from Mexico (MX) and has been documented through 17 iNaturalist observations as of the available data. Like other members of its genus, it is likely adapted to arid or semi-arid environments typical of the region.
Argoporis rufipes
Argoporis rufipes is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. The species name "rufipes" refers to reddish legs, a common diagnostic trait in this genus. Records indicate occurrence in Mexico. As a member of Tenebrionidae, it likely inhabits arid or semi-arid environments, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented in available sources.
Armalia angularis
Armalia angularis is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Thomas L. Casey in 1907. The genus Armalia is a small group within this large family of beetles. Information regarding the biology, distribution, and ecology of this species is extremely limited in the available literature.
Armalia texana
Armalia texana is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by LeConte in 1866. The genus Armalia is a small group within this large family, and A. texana appears to be primarily associated with arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and adjacent Mexico. Like other tenebrionids, this species is likely nocturnal and adapted to xeric conditions. The specific epithet "texana" indicates the type locality or primary association with Texas.
Arthromacra pilosella
A species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, subfamily Lagriinae. The genus Arthromacra is a small group of lagriine beetles distributed in North America. Very little published information exists regarding the biology, ecology, or even precise distribution of A. pilosella. The species name 'pilosella' (Latin diminutive of 'pilosus', meaning hairy) likely refers to a fine pubescence on the body surface. Based on the few available specimen records, the species appears to be associated with forested or woodland habitats in eastern North America.
Arthromacra robinsoni
Arthromacra robinsoni is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Leng in 1914. It belongs to the subfamily Lagriinae, a group of elongate, often soft-bodied beetles commonly referred to as long-jointed beetles. The genus Arthromacra is characterized by notably long legs and antennae relative to body size. This species appears to be rarely encountered and poorly documented in the literature.
Asbolus
blue death-feigning beetles
Asbolus is a small genus of darkling beetles (family Tenebrionidae) native to the southwestern United States and Mexico. The genus contains four species, including the well-known Asbolus verrucosus, commonly called the blue death-feigning beetle. These beetles are adapted to arid desert environments and exhibit a distinctive blue coloration derived from a waxy coating that prevents desiccation. The genus is notable for its thanatosis behavior—playing dead when threatened.
Asbolus laevis
Asbolus laevis is a darkling beetle (family Tenebrionidae) native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. First described by LeConte in 1851, it inhabits arid, sandy environments including the Sonoran Desert. The species is distinguished from its congener Asbolus verrucosus by its smaller size, smooth glossy black exoskeleton, and finely dotted elytra with marginal studded points.
Asbolus mexicanus
Asbolus mexicanus is a darkling beetle species described by Champion in 1884. It occurs in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, inhabiting arid environments with sandy or scrubby vegetation. The species was originally distinguished from congeners by its opaque, broader, and less convex body form, with a flatter thorax and characteristic elytral punctation.
Asbolus papillosus
Asbolus papillosus is a darkling beetle (family Tenebrionidae) native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. It inhabits arid, sandy environments including the Sonoran Desert. The species is distinguished from congeners by its granular elytra and relatively short tarsal hairs. Like other members of the genus, it likely exhibits thanatosis (death-feigning behavior) as an antipredator defense, though this has not been specifically documented for this species.
Asbolus verrucosus
Blue Death-Feigning Beetle, Desert Ironclad Beetle
A darkling beetle native to southwestern North American deserts, distinguished by its powdery blue wax coating and dramatic death-feigning behavior when threatened. Adults measure 18–21 mm and are highly adapted to arid environments. The species has become popular in the pet trade due to its hardiness and ease of care.
Asidini
Asidini is a tribe of darkling beetles (Tenebrionidae: Pimeliinae) containing more than 30 genera and over 260 described species in North America alone. Members are primarily flightless and inhabit arid and semi-arid environments across western North America and Mexico. The tribe is notable for exhibiting diverse defensive strategies including crypsis and Batesian mimicry of chemically defended Eleodes species.
Asiopus minimus
Asiopus minimus is a species of darkling beetle (family Tenebrionidae) within the order Coleoptera. The genus Asiopus is part of the diverse tenebrionid fauna, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented in accessible literature. Based on family-level characteristics, members of this group are generally associated with arid or semi-arid environments and are often nocturnal or crepuscular in activity patterns.
Auchmobius
Auchmobius is a genus of darkling beetles in the family Tenebrionidae, subfamily Pimeliinae, and tribe Edrotini. It was established by John Lawrence LeConte in 1851. The genus belongs to a group of beetles commonly associated with arid and semi-arid environments. Species within Auchmobius are poorly documented in scientific literature, with limited published information on their biology and ecology.
Batuliomorpha comata
Batuliomorpha comata is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Doyen in 1987. The genus Batuliomorpha is part of the diverse tenebrionid fauna of western North America. Very little published information exists on the biology or ecology of this particular species.
Batulius
Batulius is a genus of darkling beetles in the family Tenebrionidae, subfamily Pimeliinae, and tribe Anepsiini. Established by J.L. LeConte in 1851, this genus belongs to the diverse group of tenebrionid beetles commonly associated with arid and semi-arid environments. The genus is part of the Anepsiini tribe, which contains species adapted to dry habitats. Information on species diversity and biology within Batulius remains limited in available literature.