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.

  darkling-beetledesert-beetleNorth-AmericaCasey-1914data-deficient

• 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.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetleColeopteraNorth-AmericaSouth-America

• 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.

  darkling-beetlerarely-recordedNeotropicalNearctic

• 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.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetleColeopteraChampion-1885Neotropicalcoastalrarely-recordeddata-deficient

• 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.

  darkling-beetlePimeliinaeVacroniniNorth-American-faunaarid-adapteddata-deficient

• 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.

  darkling-beetledesert-beetleCnemeplatiiniAlaudinaSouthwestern-USAMexicoPimeliinaeTenebrionidaeColeoptera2018-revisionnew-species-description

• 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.

  ColeopteraTenebrionidaedarkling-beetleCalifornia-endemicrecently-described

• 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.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetleColorado2018-descriptionrecently-described-species

• 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.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetleflightlessArizonaMoenkopi-Formation2018-description

• 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.

  beetledarkling-beetleMexicorarely-reported

• 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.

  beetledarkling-beetleTenebrionidaeColeopteraNearcticNeotropical

• 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.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaeColeoptera

• 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.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetlemite-hostparasitismNeotrombidium-beeriNorth-America

• 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.

  stored-product-pestpoultry-pestvectornovel-foodentomophagydarkling-beetlecosmopolitan

• 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.

  detritivorefungus-feedercommercially-bredlaboratory-modelintroduced-speciesseed-pestdarkling-beetle

• 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.

  darkling-beetlenocturnalwood-associatedcomplete-metamorphosislong-lived-larvaeflight-capable

• 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.

  beetleColeopteraTenebrionidaedarkling-beetleNorth-AmericaCanadaOntario

• 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.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetletropicalColombiaMexicoKirsch-1866AmmodoniiniColeopteraPolyphaga

• 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.

  darkling-beetleNorth-American-faunaBlaptinae

• 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.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaeNeotropicalColeoptera

• 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.

  darkling-beetledesert-beetleNorth-AmericaPimeliinaeStenosinicrypticnocturnal

• 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.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaeColeopteraLeConte-1858North-Americararely-collected

• 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.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetleNorth-AmericadesertaridLeConte-1862

• 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.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetleMexicoLeConte-1851Coleoptera

• 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.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaeColeopteraAlbertamontanerareCasey-1891

• 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.

  endemicNew-ZealandTenebrionidaedarkling-beetlenocturnalpoorly-known

• 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.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetleEschscholtz-1831rarely-documented

• 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.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaeColeopteraLeConte-1866

• 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.

  beetledarkling-beetleColeopteraTenebrionidaeNearcticNeotropical

• 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.

  darkling-beetledesert-beetlerare-speciesunder-collected

• 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.

  darkling-beetletenebrioniddesert-beetledetritivore

• 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.

  darkling-beetledesert-beetlerock-dwelling

• 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.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaeNorth-AmericaColeoptera

• 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.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetleColeopteraMexicoCasey-1890Argoporislittle-known-speciesdata-deficient

• 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.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetleMexicoLeConte-1851flightless-beetle

• 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.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetleMexicoColeoptera

• 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.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaeArmaliaCasey-1907Coleoptera

• 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.

  ColeopteraTenebrionidaedarkling-beetleSouthwest-USTexasxeric-adaptednocturnal-beetle

• 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.

  TenebrionidaeLagriinaedarkling-beetleNorth-Americararepoorly-known

• 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.

  darkling-beetleLagriinaelong-jointed-beetlerarely-collected

• 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.

  desert-beetlethanatosisdeath-feigningwax-coatinganti-desiccationdarkling-beetleTenebrionidaeMojave-Desertpet-tradeinsect-zoo

• 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.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetledesert-beetleSonoran-Desertsouthwestern-North-AmericaLeConte-1851smooth-death-feigning-beetle

• 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.

  darkling-beetledesert-beetlearid-habitat-specialistTenebrionidaeSouthwestern-North-America

• 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.

  darkling-beetledesert-beetleSonoran-DesertTenebrionidaegranular-elytrathanatosissouthwestern-North-Americaarid-habitatsand-dwellingcryptic-coloration

• 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.

  desertdarkling-beetledeath-feigningant-mimicrywax-coatingthanatosispet-tradeomnivorecrepuscularSonoran-DesertMojave-Desert

• 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.

  darkling-beetleflightlessdesert-beetleBatesian-mimicrycrypsisarid-habitat

• 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.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetleColeopteraunderstudied-species

• 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.

  darkling-beetlePimeliinaeEdrotiniLeConte-1851North-Americadata-deficient

• 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.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetleColeopterawestern-North-America

• 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.

  darkling-beetletenebrionidPimeliinaeAnepsiiniLeConte-1851North-American-fauna

• Batulius setosus

  Batulius setosus is a darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by LeConte in 1851. The species is known from Mexico, with confirmed distribution records from that country. As a member of the genus Batulius, it belongs to a group of tenebrionid beetles found in arid and semi-arid regions of western North America.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaeLeConte-1851MexicoColeoptera

• Blapstinus alutaceus

  Blapstinus alutaceus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Blatchley in 1910. It belongs to a genus of small to medium-sized beetles commonly found in arid and semi-arid regions of North America. The species is part of the tribe Blapstinini, which contains numerous taxonomically challenging species that are often distinguished by subtle morphological characters.

  ColeopteraTenebrionidaeBlapstininiNorth-AmericaArizonadesert-faunadarkling-beetledetritivore

• Blapstinus castaneus

  Blapstinus castaneus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Thomas Lincoln Casey Jr. in 1890. The genus Blapstinus comprises small to medium-sized tenebrionid beetles found primarily in arid and semi-arid regions of North America. As a member of this genus, B. castaneus is likely adapted to dry environments. The species is represented by limited specimen records in museum collections and few observations in citizen science databases.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaeNorth-AmericaCasey-1890arid-adaptedpoorly-known-species

• Blapstinus discolor

  Blapstinus discolor is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Horn in 1870. It belongs to a genus of small to medium-sized beetles commonly found in arid and semi-arid regions of North America. The species name 'discolor' suggests color variation within the species or between sexes, a trait not uncommon in the genus.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetleNorth-AmericaColeoptera

• Blapstinus fuscus

  Blapstinus fuscus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. It belongs to the tribe Blapstinini, a group of small to medium-sized tenebrionids primarily distributed in the Americas. The species was described by Thomas L. Casey in 1890. Available records indicate a distribution in Mexico, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented in published literature.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaeColeopteraMexicoBlapstinusCasey-1890

• Blapstinus histricus

  Blapstinus histricus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. It was described by Casey in 1890. The species is known from Hawaii and the continental United States. Limited information is available regarding its biology and ecology.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaeColeoptera

• Blapstinus moestus

  Blapstinus moestus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, first described by Melsheimer in 1846. It belongs to a genus of small to medium-sized beetles commonly found in North American habitats. The species is documented from Ontario, Canada, though detailed biological information remains limited in published sources.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaeNorth-AmericaOntarioMelsheimer-1846

• Blapstinus pratensis

  Blapstinus pratensis is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, first described by LeConte in 1859. The species is recorded from western North America, with distribution records from Alberta, Canada and Mexico. Like other members of the genus Blapstinus, it is a ground-dwelling beetle typically found in grassland and prairie habitats. The specific epithet "pratensis" refers to meadows or grasslands, suggesting an association with prairie ecosystems.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetleprairiegrasslandwestern-North-AmericaLeConte-1859

• Blapstinus substriatus

  Blapstinus substriatus is a species of darkling beetle (family Tenebrionidae) described by Champion in 1885. It belongs to a genus of small to medium-sized beetles found primarily in North America. The species is documented from western Canada with limited observational records.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaewestern-CanadaChampion-1885

• Blapstinus vestitus

  Blapstinus vestitus is a species of darkling beetle (family Tenebrionidae) described by LeConte in 1859. The genus Blapstinus comprises small to medium-sized beetles primarily distributed in North America. As with many tenebrionid beetles, species in this genus are generally associated with arid and semi-arid environments. The specific epithet "vestitus" (Latin for "clothed") likely refers to the pubescent or setose body covering characteristic of this species. Records from museum collections indicate this is a recognized but relatively obscure species within the genus.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaeNorth-AmericaLeConte-1859

• Bolitophagini

  Bolitophagini is a tribe of darkling beetles (family Tenebrionidae) comprising more than 20 genera. The tribe is named after its type genus Bolitophagus, whose name derives from Greek meaning 'fungus-eater'. Members are primarily associated with forest habitats and feed on fungi, particularly bracket fungi (polypores). The tribe has a fossil record extending to the Eocene, indicating long-term persistence in forest ecosystems.

  fungivorousdarkling-beetleold-growth-forestpolypore-associated

• Bolitophagus corticola

  Bolitophagus corticola is a darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. The species is associated with woody habitats, particularly bark and decaying wood. It is native to eastern North America, with records from the Canadian Maritimes through Ontario and Quebec. The genus Bolitophagus is mycophagous, feeding on fungi.

  darkling-beetlebark-beetle-associatemycophagousforest-insecteastern-North-America

• Bolitotherus

  horned fungus beetle, forked fungus beetle

  Bolitotherus is a genus of darkling beetles (Tenebrionidae) native to North America. The genus contains at least one well-documented species, Bolitotherus cornutus, commonly known as the forked fungus beetle or horned fungus beetle. All life stages are tightly associated with the fruiting bodies of wood-decaying bracket fungi, particularly species of Ganoderma and Fomes. These beetles have become important model organisms for studying sexual selection, social behavior, and population ecology in wild insect populations. Males possess distinctive thoracic horns used in combat for access to mating territories on fungal brackets.

  fungivoresexual-selectionmodel-organismdarkling-beetlebracket-fungushorned-beetleterritorialitysite-fidelitylong-lived-insectsocial-evolution

• Bothrotes

  Bothrotes is a genus of darkling beetles (family Tenebrionidae) established by Casey in 1907. The genus contains at least two described species: Bothrotes canaliculatus and Bothrotes plumbeus. Members of this genus occur in North America, with observations documented from grassland and woodland habitats in the southwestern United States and Great Plains region.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetleNearcticflower-visitor

• Bothrotes canaliculatus

  Bothrotes canaliculatus is a darkling beetle species in the family Tenebrionidae, originally described by Thomas Say in 1824 as Epitragus canaliculatus. The species has been observed in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Field observations indicate adults are attracted to flowers of Gutierrezia sarothrae (broom snakeweed) in northeastern New Mexico, where they occur alongside other flower-visiting beetles.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetleflower-visitingsouthwestern-North-AmericaGutierrezia

• Bothrotes plumbeus

  Bothrotes plumbeus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. Records indicate it has been collected in the southwestern United States, with observations from locations in New Mexico and surrounding regions. The species is associated with arid and semi-arid habitats, including grasslands and open woodlands. Like other tenebrionids, it is likely nocturnal and ground-dwelling, though specific behavioral details remain limited.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetlesouthwestern-USnocturnalground-dwellingarid-habitatlate-season-activity

• Branchus

  Branchus is a genus of darkling beetles in the family Tenebrionidae, subfamily Pimeliinae, and tribe Branchini. The genus was established by John Lawrence LeConte in 1862. It is placed within the speciose superfamily Tenebrionoidea, which includes many arid-adapted beetle lineages. The genus name derives from Greek mythology, though this etymological connection has no biological significance.

  darkling-beetledesert-beetleNorth-American-beetlePimeliinaeLeConte-1862

• Branchus whiteheadi

  Branchus whiteheadi is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Steiner in 1991. It belongs to the genus Branchus, which is part of the speciose family Tenebrionidae within the order Coleoptera. The species is known from extremely limited occurrence records, with only two observations documented on iNaturalist as of the available data.

  ColeopteraTenebrionidaedarkling-beetleBranchusSteiner-1991rarely-recordedlimited-data

• Centronopus calcaratus

  Spurred Darkling Beetle

  Centronopus calcaratus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. It is found in North America, with confirmed records from Canada including Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Quebec. The species is commonly known as the Spurred Darkling Beetle.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaeNorth-AmericaCanada

• Centronopus opacus

  Centronopus opacus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1859. It is endemic to North America, with records spanning the United States and potentially southern Canada. Like other tenebrionids, it is a ground-dwelling beetle adapted to arid and semi-arid environments. The genus Centronopus is small and poorly studied, with limited published information on the biology and ecology of its constituent species.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaeNorth-Americaground-beetlearid-habitat

• Cerenopus

  Cerenopus is a genus of darkling beetles in the family Tenebrionidae, tribe Cerenopini. The genus was established by John Lawrence LeConte in 1851 and is native to North America. Species in this genus are ground-dwelling beetles associated with arid and semi-arid environments. The genus is moderately well-represented in entomological collections, with over 500 observations documented on iNaturalist.

  darkling-beetledesert-beetleground-beetledetritivoreNorth-Americaarid-habitat

• Cheirodes

  Cheirodes is a genus of darkling beetles (Tenebrionidae) in the tribe Melanimonini. The genus was established by Géné in 1839 and was revived in 1973 when T. J. Spilman synonymized the later name Anemia (Laporte, 1840) with Cheirodes. It contains numerous species distributed across Africa, Europe, Asia, and North America, organized into six recognized subgenera. Many species were originally described under Anemia and later transferred to Cheirodes.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaeMelanimoninidesert-beetlesynonymyAnemia

• Cheirodes californicus

  Cheirodes californicus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, first described by George Henry Horn in 1870. The species epithet indicates its association with California. Like other members of Tenebrionidae, it is a ground-dwelling beetle adapted to arid and semi-arid environments. The genus Cheirodes is part of the diverse darkling beetle fauna of western North America.

  darkling-beetleCalifornia-endemicTenebrionidaeColeopteraground-beetle

• Chilometopon microps

  Chilometopon microps is a species of darkling beetle (family Tenebrionidae) described in 1990. As a member of this large beetle family, it is adapted to arid or semi-arid environments typical of many tenebrionids. The genus Chilometopon is relatively obscure, with limited published biological information.

  ColeopteraTenebrionidaedarkling-beetlebeetleinsectarthropodobscure-specieslittle-known-biologyChilometoponChilometopon-micropsMacLachlan-&-Olson-1990rarely-collectedundocumented-ecologyundocumented-morphologyundocumented-behaviorundocumented-life-historyundocumented-distributionundocumented-habitatdata-deficientGBIF-acceptediNaturalist-documented

• Chilometopon pallidum

  Chilometopon pallidum is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Thomas Lincoln Casey in 1890. The genus Chilometopon is endemic to Mexico, and this species appears to be poorly known with no documented observations in major biodiversity databases. Like other tenebrionids, adults likely inhabit arid or semi-arid environments and may be nocturnal or crepuscular in activity.

  endemicMexican-faunapoorly-knowndarkling-beetle

• Clamoris americana

  Clamoris americana is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. Originally described by Horn in 1874 as Phthora americana, this species is currently accepted under the genus Clamoris. Records indicate occurrence in British Columbia, Canada. As with many Tenebrionidae, specific natural history details for this species remain poorly documented in accessible literature.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaeColeopteraBritish-ColumbiaNorth-AmericaHorn-1874Phthora-americanaClamoris

• Cnemodinini

  Cnemodinini is a tribe of darkling beetles (Tenebrionidae) established by Gebien in 1910. It belongs to the subfamily Pimeliinae, a diverse group of predominantly xerophilic beetles adapted to arid and semi-arid environments. The tribe contains multiple genera distributed across arid regions, though specific taxonomic boundaries and included genera have been subject to revision. Members share characteristics typical of Pimeliinae, including adaptations to dry habitats.

  darkling-beetlePimeliinaearid-adaptedxerophilic

• Cnemodinus

  Cnemodinus is a genus of darkling beetles in the family Tenebrionidae, established by Cockerell in 1906. It is the sole genus in the monotypic tribe Cnemodinini. The genus contains three described species: Cnemodinus angustus, Cnemodinus subhyalinus, and Cnemodinus testaceus. These species were described by Casey (1907) and Horn (1870).

  darkling-beetlemonotypic-tribeNorth-American-fauna

• Cnemodinus testaceus

  Cnemodinus testaceus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. Described by Horn in 1870, this species is among the lesser-documented members of the genus Cnemodinus. The genus belongs to a diverse family of beetles primarily associated with arid and semi-arid environments. Available occurrence data for this species is extremely limited.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetleColeopteratestaceousNorth-America

• Coelocnemis

  darkling beetles, broad-necked darkling beetles

  Coelocnemis is a genus of darkling beetles in the family Tenebrionidae, containing approximately seven described species distributed across western North America. These large, flightless beetles are primarily associated with coniferous forest habitats, particularly pine and oak-conifer woodlands, where they are active nocturnally. The genus is distinguished from superficially similar darkling beetles by distinctive morphological features, including parallel lines of yellow pubescence on the inner tibial surfaces.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaewestern-North-Americaconifer-forestnocturnalflightlessdefensive-headstanddecomposer

• Coelocnemis punctata

  Coelocnemis punctata is a darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, one of seven species in the genus Coelocnemis found in western North America and adjacent southern Canada. The genus is characterized by distinct parallel lines of yellow pubescence on the inner surface of the tibiae, a feature used to distinguish it from the superficially similar genus Eleodes. Adults are flightless, with fused elytra that reduce water loss, and are typically associated with pine forests and oak-conifer woodlands rather than desert ecosystems.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetlewestern-North-Americaforest-habitatflightlessnocturnaldecomposerheadstand-defense

• Coelocnemis rugulosa

  Coelocnemis rugulosa is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Doyen in 1973. It belongs to a genus of seven species found in western North America and adjacent southern Canada. Like other Coelocnemis species, it is a flightless, nocturnal beetle adapted to xeric forest habitats. The genus is distinguished from the superficially similar Eleodes by having distinct parallel lines of yellow pubescence on the inner surface of the tibiae.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaewestern-North-Americapine-forestnocturnalflightlessdefensive-headstand

• Coelus

  Dune Beetles

  Coelus is a genus of darkling beetles (Tenebrionidae) endemic to coastal dune habitats along the Pacific Coast of North America. Species within this genus are restricted to sandy beach and dune ecosystems, with some members showing island endemism. The genus includes both mainland and Channel Island species, with documented phylogeographic structure among island populations. Coelus species are part of the tribe Coniontini within the subfamily Pimeliinae.

  darkling-beetledune-beetlecoastal-endemicCalifornia-Channel-Islandssand-dune-specialist

• Coelus pacificus

  Channel Islands Dune Beetle

  Coelus pacificus is a darkling beetle (family Tenebrionidae) endemic to the California Channel Islands. It inhabits dune environments across multiple islands, with distinct phylogeographic structure separating northern island populations (Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel, San Nicolas) from southern populations (Santa Catalina, San Clemente). The species is morphologically similar to the mainland congener Coelus ciliatus but represents a valid, independently evolving lineage. Conservation concerns arise from its restricted insular distribution and vulnerability to habitat disturbance.

  endemicdarkling-beetleCalifornia-Channel-Islandsdune-habitatphylogeographyconservationTenebrionidae

• Conibiosoma elongatum

  Conibiosoma elongatum is a species of darkling beetle (family Tenebrionidae) described by Horn in 1870. The genus Conibiosoma contains few species and is poorly documented in the literature. Records indicate limited observational data, with only seven observations documented on iNaturalist. The species epithet "elongatum" suggests an elongated body form relative to congeners.

  ColeopteraTenebrionidaedarkling-beetleNorth-Americaobscure-speciesHorn-1870

• Conibius gagates

  Conibius gagates is a darkling beetle species in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Horn in 1870. It is native to Mexico and belongs to a genus of small to medium-sized beetles typically associated with arid and semi-arid environments. The specific epithet "gagates" derives from Latin, meaning "jet-black" or referring to lignite coal, suggesting a dark coloration. As with many tenebrionid beetles, it likely occupies ground-dwelling ecological niches in dry habitats.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetleMexicoHorn-1870Coleopteraarid-habitat-beetle

• Conibius opacus

  Conibius opacus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1866. The species is known from Mexico and belongs to a genus of tenebrionid beetles. As with many darkling beetles, specific details about its biology and ecology remain poorly documented in the available literature.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaeColeopteraMexicoLeConte-1866

• Conibius rotundicollis

  Conibius rotundicollis is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Linell in 1899. The species name refers to its rounded pronotum. It is native to Mexico and belongs to a genus of small to medium-sized tenebrionid beetles.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetleColeopteraMexicoLinell-1899Conibius

• Conibius seriatus

  Conibius seriatus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1851. The species is recorded from Mexico, though detailed biological information remains sparse. It belongs to a genus within a family characterized by drought-adapted beetles often found in arid and semi-arid environments.

  ColeopteraTenebrionidaeMexicoLeConte-1851darkling-beetleConibiusConibius-seriatusbeetleinsectarthropodAnimaliaArthropodaInsecta

• Conibius uniformis

  A darkling beetle species described by Casey in 1890. The specific epithet 'uniformis' refers to the species' uniform coloration. It is one of several species in the genus Conibius, a group of small to medium-sized tenebrionid beetles found in arid and semi-arid regions of North America. The species is documented from Mexico based on collection records.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetleMexicoCasey-1890ConibiusColeopteraPolyphaga

• Coniontis

  Coniontis is a genus of darkling beetles (family Tenebrionidae) in the tribe Coniontini. The genus was established by Eschscholtz in 1829 and contains multiple species distributed primarily in western North America. These beetles are generally associated with arid and semi-arid habitats. The genus is well-represented in entomological collections and citizen science observations.

  darkling-beetledesert-beetlePimeliinaewestern-North-Americanocturnal

• Coniontis lata

  Coniontis lata is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1866. The genus Coniontis comprises elongate, somewhat flattened beetles found in western North America. Members of this genus are characterized by their parallel-sided body form and relatively smooth elytra. Like other tenebrionids, they are primarily nocturnal and associated with arid or semi-arid environments.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaewestern-North-AmericaLeConte-1866nocturnalarid-adapted

• Conisattus

  Conisattus is a genus of darkling beetles (family Tenebrionidae) described by Casey in 1895. The genus is poorly documented, with minimal published information on its biology and morphology. It appears to be restricted to the Nearctic region. The genus contains few known species and has received limited taxonomic study.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaeColeopteraNearcticCasey-1895poorly-known-genusrarely-collected

• Conoecus

  Conoecus is a genus of darkling beetles (family Tenebrionidae) described by Horn in 1885. The genus is native to the Nearctic region, though it is rarely encountered with very few documented observations. As a tenebrionid genus, its members are likely adapted to arid or semi-arid environments, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaeNearcticrarely-observedHorn-1885

• Conoecus ovipennis

  Conoecus ovipennis is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. The genus Conoecus is part of a diverse family of beetles commonly known as darkling beetles or flour beetles, though many species are associated with decaying wood and forest habitats. Very little specific biological information has been published for this particular species.

  ColeopteraTenebrionidaeConoecusdarkling-beetle

• Corticeus hatchi

  Corticeus hatchi is a small darkling beetle (family Tenebrionidae, subfamily Colydiinae) described by Boddy in 1957. Members of the genus Corticeus are typically associated with dead or dying wood, where they feed on fungal mycelia. The species is part of a diverse group of bark beetles and allies that play important roles in forest decomposition processes. Specific ecological data for C. hatchi remain limited in published literature.

  beetledarkling-beetlecylindrical-bark-beetlewood-associatedfungivoredecomposer

• Corticeus opaculus

  Corticeus opaculus is a species of darkling beetle (family Tenebrionidae) described by LeConte in 1878. The species is known from Mexico. Members of the genus Corticeus are typically small to medium-sized beetles associated with bark and decaying wood habitats.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetleCorticeusMexicoLeConte-1878

• Corticeus tenuis

  Corticeus tenuis is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by LeConte in 1878. It is a small, slender beetle distributed across southern Canada from Alberta to Nova Scotia. Like other members of the genus Corticeus, it is associated with bark habitats. Specific biological details regarding its ecology and behavior remain poorly documented in published literature.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetlebark-beetleCanadian-faunaLeConte-1878Coleoptera

• Cryptadius inflatus

  Cryptadius inflatus is a species of darkling beetle (Tenebrionidae) in the genus Cryptadius. The species is known from Mexico based on distribution records. As a member of Tenebrionidae, it belongs to a large family of beetles commonly associated with arid and semi-arid environments, though specific ecological details for this species remain undocumented.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaeMexicobeetle

• Cryptoglossa infausta

  Cryptoglossa infausta is a darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1854. The genus Cryptoglossa is a small, distinctive group within the tribe Cryptoglossini, characterized by modified mouthpart structures. This species occurs in Mexico and is part of a genus associated with arid and semi-arid environments. Observations suggest it is active in warmer months, though detailed ecological studies are limited.

  darkling-beetledesert-beetleMexicoTenebrionidaeCryptoglossini

• Cryptoglossa variolosa

  Black Death-feigning Beetle

  Cryptoglossa variolosa is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, commonly known as the Black Death-feigning Beetle. It occurs in arid regions of Mexico and the southwestern United States. The species is notable for its ability to feign death (thanatosis) when disturbed. It is one of several Cryptoglossa species adapted to desert environments.

  desert-beetlethanatosisdarkling-beetlenocturnaldetritivore

• Cybotus

  Cybotus is a genus of darkling beetles in the family Tenebrionidae, established by Casey in 1890. It is a small genus with limited documented species, occurring in the Neotropical region. The genus belongs to the speciose family Tenebrionidae, which contains over 20,000 species of primarily detritivorous beetles. Information on Cybotus remains sparse in published literature.

  NeotropicalTenebrionidaedarkling-beetleCasey-1890

• Cybotus estriatus

  Cybotus estriatus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, first described by LeConte in 1878. The genus Cybotus is small and poorly documented, with limited published information on its biology. The species is known from Mexico based on collection records. Few observations exist, suggesting it may be uncommon, cryptic, or restricted to specific habitats.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetleMexicoLeConte-1878data-deficient

• Cynaeus angustus

  Larger Black Flour Beetle

  Cynaeus angustus is a North American darkling beetle that has become an invasive stored grain pest with established populations across Europe and Russia. It feeds on corn, wheat, sorghum, soybeans, and peanuts. The species shows high biotic potential with continuous development under favorable conditions and increasing protein content through its life stages. It serves as host to the microsporidian parasite Nosema cynaea.

  stored-product-pestinvasive-speciesgrain-pestdarkling-beetleentomophagy-potential

• Cynaeus depressus

  Cynaeus depressus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, first described by Horn in 1870. The species is characterized by its dorsoventrally flattened body form, an adaptation that distinguishes it within the genus. Distribution records indicate presence in Mexico, Norway, and Sweden, though the species appears to be rare or poorly collected based on limited observation data. The specific epithet "depressus" refers to this flattened body morphology.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetleflattened-bodyHolarcticrare-species

• Diaperis

  Diaperis is a genus of darkling beetles in the family Tenebrionidae, established by Geoffroy in 1762. Species occur across Asia, Europe, and the Americas. The genus includes mycophagous species such as D. boleti, which feeds on wood-decomposing fungi. Some species were formerly classified under the genus Allophasia.

  mycophagousdarkling-beetlefungus-associatedphoretic-hostarboreal

• Diaperis californica

  Diaperis californica is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Blaisdell in 1929. It belongs to the genus Diaperis, a small group of beetles characterized by their distinctive body shape and coloration patterns. The species is known from California, as indicated by its specific epithet. Like other members of its family, it is likely associated with decaying organic matter and fungal resources, though specific biological details remain poorly documented.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetleCalifornia-endemicColeopteraDiaperinaefungivoredecomposer

• Diaperis rufipes

  Diaperis rufipes is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Horn in 1870. It is native to Mexico and belongs to a genus characterized by distinctive body forms. The species epithet 'rufipes' refers to reddish legs, a trait that distinguishes it from congeners. Like other members of Tenebrionidae, it is likely associated with decaying wood or fungal habitats, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetleMexicoColeopterared-legged

• Dioedus punctatus

  Dioedus punctatus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by LeConte in 1862. It belongs to a genus of small to medium-sized beetles found primarily in North America. Like other members of Tenebrionidae, it is likely associated with decaying plant matter and soil habitats. The specific epithet 'punctatus' refers to punctation or spotting, suggesting distinctive surface markings on the elytra or pronotum.

  ColeopteraTenebrionidaedarkling-beetleNorth-AmericaLeConte-1862understudied-species

• Doliodesmus

  Doliodesmus is a genus of darkling beetles (family Tenebrionidae) described by Spilman in 1967. The genus is native to the Nearctic region and is represented by a small number of species. Very little has been published on its biology or ecology. Records indicate extremely limited observational data, with only two documented observations on iNaturalist.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaeNearcticdata-deficientcryptic

• Edrotes

  hairy robot beetle, desert hairy robot beetle

  Edrotes is a genus of darkling beetles (Tenebrionidae) in the tribe Edrotini, characterized by small, rounded body forms adapted to arid environments. The genus includes species such as Edrotes ventricosus, which exhibits a distinctive fuzzy appearance due to dorsal setae. Members inhabit desert regions of southwestern North America and display seasonal activity patterns influenced by temperature.

  darkling-beetledesert-beetlehairy-beetlepet-insectNorth-Americaarid-adapted

• Edrotes arens

  A small darkling beetle (Tenebrionidae) in the genus Edrotes, described by La Rivers in 1947. The genus is associated with sandy habitats in western North America. One verified observation from Colorado in 2017 represents a notable range extension, as the genus had no previous records in that state. The species name 'arens' suggests a connection to sandy or arid environments (from Latin 'arena', sand).

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaepsammophilicsand-duneColorado-raritywestern-North-America

• Edrotes rotundus

  Edrotes rotundus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. It is native to North America and has been documented in the southwestern United States and Mexico. The genus Edrotes is characterized by small, rounded body forms adapted to arid environments. Records from Colorado represent range extensions beyond the species' previously documented distribution.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaedesert-beetlesand-dwellingNorth-America

• Edrotes ventricosus

  hairy robot beetle, desert hairy robot beetle

  Edrotes ventricosus is a small darkling beetle native to southwestern North American deserts. Adults are distinctive for their rounded, compact body shape and dense covering of dorsal hairs. The species is herbivorous and has been observed feeding on several plant species including saltgrass and cheat grass. It is active primarily from early spring through late winter, with year-round activity in the southern portion of its range. The beetle has become popular in the pet trade due to its manageable care requirements and appealing appearance.

  darkling-beetledesert-faunaherbivorepet-trade

• Eleates depressus

  Conk-loving Darkling Beetle

  Eleates depressus is a small darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, commonly known as the Conk-loving Darkling Beetle. The species has been recorded from multiple Canadian provinces including British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Northwest Territories, and Ontario. It is associated with conks (bracket fungi) on trees, where adults are found. The species was originally described by Randall in 1838.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetlefungi-associatedCanada

• Eleates occidentalis

  Eleates occidentalis is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Casey in 1886. The genus Eleates belongs to a diverse family of beetles commonly found in arid and semi-arid environments. As a member of Tenebrionidae, this species likely exhibits adaptations to dry conditions typical of the group.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetleColeopteraEleatesCasey-1886

• Eleodes

  pinacate beetles, desert stink beetles

  Eleodes is the largest genus of darkling beetles in North America, comprising approximately 200 species. These beetles are endemic to western North America, ranging from southern Canada to central Mexico, with some species introduced to Colombia. Commonly known as pinacate beetles or desert stink beetles, they are flightless due to fused elytra and vestigial hindwings. All species possess chemical defense glands that produce quinone compounds, and many exhibit distinctive head-standing behavior when threatened. The genus shows remarkable ecological diversity, with species occupying deserts, forests, grasslands, and caves.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaechemical-defenseflightlessdesert-arthropoddetritivoreagricultural-pestMüllerian-mimicrycave-beetlewestern-North-America

• Eleodes acuta

  desert stink beetle

  Eleodes acuta is a large desert stink beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. It is closely related to and frequently confused with E. suturalis, with which it shares similar size, coloration, and habitat preferences. The species occurs in the Great Plains and southwestern United States, including areas of South Dakota and New Mexico. It is primarily nocturnal and exhibits the defensive head-stand behavior characteristic of the genus Eleodes.

  darkling-beetledesert-beetlenocturnaldefensive-secretionGreat-Plains

• Eleodes arcuata

  Eleodes arcuata is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, first described by Thomas Lincoln Casey in 1884. The species belongs to the genus Eleodes, a diverse group of beetles commonly known as clown beetles or desert stink beetles. Records indicate this species occurs in Mexico. Like other members of Eleodes, it is likely adapted to arid or semi-arid environments, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.

  ColeopteraTenebrionidaeEleodesdarkling-beetleMexico1884Casey

• Eleodes armata

  Armored Stink Beetle

  Eleodes armata, commonly known as the armored stink beetle, is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. It inhabits arid regions of the western United States and Mexico. The species is distinguished by prominent spurs on all legs, a feature reflected in its specific epithet 'armata' (armed). Like other members of the genus Eleodes, it exhibits the characteristic head-standing defensive posture when disturbed.

  desertdarkling-beetledefensive-behaviorchemical-defenseNorth-Americaarid-adapted

• Eleodes blanchardii

  clown beetle

  Eleodes blanchardii is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, commonly referred to as a 'clown beetle' due to the defensive head-stand posture characteristic of the genus. It belongs to a large and diverse genus of ground-dwelling beetles found primarily in arid and semi-arid regions of North America. The species was described by Blaisdell in 1909.

  darkling-beetleclown-beetleTenebrionidaeEleodesNorth-America

• Eleodes caudifera

  desert stink beetle

  Eleodes caudifera is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, commonly referred to as a desert stink beetle. The species is native to arid regions of western North America and exhibits the defensive head-standing behavior typical of the genus Eleodes. It has been documented in sandy desert habitats, particularly in association with dune systems. The species was described by LeConte in 1858.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetledesert-beetlechemical-defensesand-dune-faunaEleodesdetritivoreNorth-American-desert-fauna

• Eleodes cordata

  desert stink beetle, clown beetle

  Eleodes cordata is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, commonly referred to as a desert stink beetle or clown beetle. The species is part of a large genus of flightless, ground-dwelling beetles native to arid and semi-arid regions of North America. Like other Eleodes species, it possesses defensive chemical capabilities and exhibits the characteristic "headstand" defensive posture when threatened. The species was described by Eschscholtz in 1829.

  darkling-beetledesert-beetledefensive-postureflightlessground-beetleNorth-Americaarid-habitatchemical-defense

• Eleodes delicata

  clown beetle

  Eleodes delicata is a species of clown beetle (family Tenebrionidae) described by Blaisdell in 1929. It belongs to a large genus of darkling beetles known for defensive head-stand behavior. The species is recorded from Mexico, though detailed biological information appears limited in published literature. Like other Eleodes species, it is presumed to be nocturnal and ground-dwelling.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetleclown-beetleMexiconocturnalground-dwelling

• Eleodes dentipes

  Dentate Stink Beetle

  Eleodes dentipes is a medium-sized darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, commonly known as the dentate stink beetle. It measures 16–28 mm in length and is frequently encountered in decaying wood and leaf litter habitats. The species is widely distributed and readily identifiable within the genus Eleodes by its size and habitat preferences.

  darkling-beetledecomposerwoodlanddetritivoredefensive-secretion

• Eleodes dissimilis

  desert stink beetle

  Eleodes dissimilis is a species of desert stink beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. It was described by Blaisdell in 1909. The species belongs to the genus Eleodes, a diverse group of darkling beetles commonly known as stink beetles due to their defensive chemical secretions. Distribution records indicate presence in Mexico.

  desert-beetledarkling-beetledefensive-secretionTenebrionidaeEleodesMexico

• Eleodes eschscholtzii

  desert stink beetle

  Eleodes eschscholtzii is a species of darkling beetle (family Tenebrionidae) native to arid regions of western North America. The species is part of the diverse Eleodes genus, commonly known as clown beetles or desert stink beetles, characterized by defensive chemical secretion and a distinctive head-stand posture when threatened. Two subspecies are recognized: E. e. eschscholtzii and E. e. lucae.

  desertdarkling-beetledefensive-behaviorchemical-defenseburrowingdetritivore

• Eleodes extricata

  Extricated Darkling Beetle

  Eleodes extricata is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, commonly known as the extricated darkling beetle or desert stink beetle. It belongs to the genus Eleodes, a group often referred to as clown beetles or stink beetles due to their defensive behavior of raising their abdomen when threatened. The species was originally described by Thomas Say in 1824 as Blaps extricata. Records indicate a distribution in Mexico.

  darkling-beetleclown-beetledesert-beetledefensive-behaviorMexico

• Eleodes fuchsii

  Eleodes fuchsii is a darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, first described by Blaisdell in 1909. As a member of the genus Eleodes, it belongs to a group commonly known as "clown beetles" or "stink beetles," recognized for their defensive posture of raising the abdomen when disturbed. The species is part of a large North American genus with over 200 described species, many of which inhabit arid and semi-arid regions.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaeEleodesdesert-beetledefensive-behaviorNorth-Americadetritivoredata-deficient

• Eleodes goryi

  desert stink beetle

  Eleodes goryi is a species of desert stink beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. It belongs to the genus Eleodes, a large group of darkling beetles commonly known as clown beetles due to their defensive head-stand posture. The species was described by Solier in 1848 and is recorded from Mexico.

  desert-stink-beetledarkling-beetleclown-beetle

• Eleodes gracilis

  desert stink beetle

  Eleodes gracilis is a species of desert stink beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, first described by LeConte in 1858. The species belongs to the genus Eleodes, commonly known as stink beetles or darkling beetles, which are characterized by their defensive behavior of raising the abdomen when disturbed. Two subspecies are recognized: Eleodes gracilis gracilis and Eleodes gracilis distans. The species is distributed in Mexico and has been recorded in the southwestern United States.

  desert-beetledefensive-behaviorchemical-defensedarkling-beetleNorth-AmericaMexico

• Eleodes grandicollis

  desert stink beetle

  Eleodes grandicollis is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. The species was described by Mannerheim in 1843. Two subspecies are recognized: E. g. grandicollis and E. g. valida. The species is part of the diverse Eleodes genus, commonly known as desert stink beetles or clown beetles, which are characteristic of arid environments in North America.

  darkling-beetledesert-stink-beetlearid-adaptedNorth-American-faunaTenebrionidae

• Eleodes halli

  Eleodes halli is a species of darkling beetle (Tenebrionidae) in the genus Eleodes, commonly known as clown beetles. The genus is characterized by defensive head-standing behavior when disturbed. Species within this genus are often large, conspicuous beetles of arid and semi-arid regions, with several exhibiting Batesian mimicry of tiger beetles. Eleodes halli was described by Blaisdell in 1941.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetleclown-beetledefensive-behaviorhead-standing

• Eleodes hirsuta

  Hairy Stink Beetle, Hairy Eleodes

  Eleodes hirsuta is a large darkling beetle (Tenebrionidae) native to western North America, recognized by its conspicuously hairy body and defensive chemical-secreting behavior. The species belongs to the 'clown beetle' group, known for their characteristic head-stand posture when threatened. Adults are primarily nocturnal and active during warmer months in arid and semi-arid grassland habitats.

  darkling-beetleclown-beetledefensive-behaviorhead-standGreat-Plainsnocturnalburrowinghairychemical-defenseTenebrionidaeEleodeswestern-North-Americagrasslandprairiedetritivorepet-insect

• Eleodes hispilabris

  Rough-lipped Darkling Beetle, desert stink beetle

  Eleodes hispilabris is a darkling beetle (Tenebrionidae) native to North America, where it occurs in arid and semi-arid regions including the Great Plains. It is closely related to and frequently confused with Eleodes suturalis, sharing similar size, coloration, and a reddish-brown sutural stripe on the elytra. The species exhibits scale-dependent habitat selection and performs the characteristic defensive 'head stand' behavior typical of the genus Eleodes.

  darkling-beetledesert-beetledefensive-behaviorhabitat-selectionGreat-Plains-fauna

• Eleodes humeralis

  Eleodes humeralis is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1857. It belongs to the large genus Eleodes, commonly known as clown beetles or desert stink beetles, which are characterized by their defensive posture of standing on their head and raising their abdomen when disturbed. The species name refers to the humeral (shoulder) region of the elytra. Records indicate it occurs in western North America, including British Columbia, Canada.

  darkling-beetleclown-beetleTenebrionidaewestern-North-AmericaBritish-ColumbiaLeConte-1857

• Eleodes inculta

  Island Darkling Beetle

  A darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, known from limited observations primarily on islands. The species belongs to the diverse genus Eleodes, commonly referred to as clown beetles or stink beetles due to their defensive behaviors. Available records indicate a restricted distribution with relatively few documented observations.

  darkling-beetleisland-endemicEleodesTenebrionidaeColeoptera

• Eleodes knullorum

  Eleodes knullorum is a darkling beetle species in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Triplehorn in 1971. It belongs to the diverse genus Eleodes, commonly known as clown beetles or desert stink beetles. Records indicate this species occurs in Mexico. As with many Eleodes species, it likely exhibits the defensive head-stand behavior characteristic of the genus when disturbed.

  darkling-beetleclown-beetledesert-stink-beetleTenebrionidaeEleodesMexicoColeopterainsectbeetle

• Eleodes longicollis

  desert stink beetle, clown beetle

  Eleodes longicollis is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, commonly known as the desert stink beetle or clown beetle. It is a large, flightless beetle native to arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. The species is notable for its distinctive defensive behavior of raising its abdomen and standing on its head when threatened, a posture that has earned members of the genus the common name 'clown beetles.' Like other Eleodes species, it possesses defensive glands capable of producing noxious secretions.

  darkling-beetledesert-beetledefensive-behaviorflightlessarid-habitatnocturnal-activitypet-species

• Eleodes longipilosa

  Eleodes longipilosa is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Horn in 1891. The species belongs to the large genus Eleodes, commonly known as clown beetles or stink beetles, which are characterized by their defensive head-stand posture when threatened. Specific ecological and behavioral details for E. longipilosa remain poorly documented in published literature. The species name 'longipilosa' suggests long pilosity (hairiness), though this characteristic has not been explicitly described in available sources.

  ColeopteraTenebrionidaeEleodesdarkling-beetleclown-beetleHorn-1891

• Eleodes nigrina

  desert stink beetle

  Eleodes nigrina is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, commonly referred to as a desert stink beetle. It belongs to the genus Eleodes, a group known for defensive head-stand posturing when disturbed. The species was described by LeConte in 1858. Available information on this species is limited, with few detailed ecological or behavioral studies published.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetledesert-stink-beetleLeConte-1858taxonomic-uncertaintyBritish-ColumbiaEleodes

• Eleodes novoverrucula

  Eleodes novoverrucula is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, first described by Boddy in 1957. The genus Eleodes, commonly known as clown beetles or stink beetles, is characterized by defensive behaviors including the distinctive "head stand" posture when disturbed. This species belongs to a large genus of primarily North American desert and prairie beetles. Specific morphological and behavioral details for E. novoverrucula remain poorly documented in published literature.

  darkling-beetleclown-beetlewestern-Canadaprairie-beetle

• Eleodes nunenmacheri

  Eleodes nunenmacheri is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. It belongs to the genus Eleodes, commonly known as clown beetles or stink beetles, which are characterized by their defensive head-stand posture. The species was described by Blaisdell in 1918. Very little specific information is available for this particular species compared to more frequently encountered Eleodes species.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetleclown-beetleEleodes

• Eleodes obscura glabriuscula

  Eleodes obscura glabriuscula is a subspecies of the widespread darkling beetle Eleodes obscura, distinguished by its relatively smoother (less setose) elytral surface compared to the nominate subspecies. As a member of the Eleodes subgenus Eleodes, it exhibits the characteristic defensive head-stand posture typical of clown beetles when threatened. The subspecies occurs in western North America and shares the general habitat preferences of E. obscura, favoring arid and semi-arid environments.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetleclown-beetleEleodessubspeciesNorth-Americaarid-adapteddefensive-behavior

• Eleodes parowana

  Eleodes parowana is a species of darkling beetle (Tenebrionidae) described by Blaisdell in 1925. The genus Eleodes, commonly known as clown beetles or stink beetles, is characterized by defensive head-standing behavior when disturbed. Species within this genus are primarily nocturnal and inhabit arid and semi-arid regions of North America. E. parowana is one of numerous Eleodes species found in western North American deserts and grasslands.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetleclown-beetledefensive-behaviorNorth-Americaarid-habitat

• Eleodes patulicollis

  Eleodes patulicollis is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Blaisdell in 1932. It belongs to the large genus Eleodes, commonly known as clown beetles or stink beetles, which are characterized by their defensive head-stand posture when disturbed. The species is part of a taxonomically challenging group within Eleodes where morphological similarity among species requires careful examination of pronotal and elytral characters for accurate identification. Available occurrence records are sparse, with limited observational data documented in biodiversity databases.

  TenebrionidaeEleodesdarkling-beetleclown-beetleBlaisdell-1932

• Eleodes pedinoides

  clown beetle

  Eleodes pedinoides is a darkling beetle (family Tenebrionidae) native to Mexico. Like other members of the genus Eleodes, it exhibits the defensive 'headstand' behavior characteristic of clown beetles, raising its abdomen when disturbed to release defensive secretions. The species is closely related to E. suturalis and E. hispilabris, with which it shares general body form and dark coloration. Available information on this species is limited compared to its better-known North American congeners.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetleclown-beetledefensive-behaviorMexico

• Eleodes pimelioides

  desert stink beetle, stout darkling beetle

  Eleodes pimelioides is a small species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. It has been observed in alpine coniferous forest habitats, where it is active at night. The species is part of the diverse Eleodes genus, commonly known as desert stink beetles or clown beetles, though this particular species appears to favor cooler, higher-elevation environments rather than true desert conditions.

  nocturnalmontaneconifer-forestpine-duffaggregation-behaviorTenebrionidaedarkling-beetleEleodeswestern-North-Americaearly-fall-activity

• Eleodes rileyi

  Riley's clown beetle

  Eleodes rileyi is a species of clown beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. It belongs to the large genus Eleodes, which contains numerous species of darkling beetles commonly known as clown beetles or stink beetles due to their defensive head-standing behavior. The species was described by Casey in 1891. Like other members of the genus, it is presumed to exhibit the characteristic defensive posture of raising its abdomen and standing on its head when disturbed, though specific behavioral documentation for this species is limited in the provided sources.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetleclown-beetleEleodesColeoptera

• Eleodes rileyi reducta

  Eleodes rileyi reducta is a subspecies of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. Like other members of the genus Eleodes, it exhibits the defensive "head stand" behavior characteristic of clown beetles. The species E. rileyi and its subspecies are part of the diverse Eleodes fauna of western North America, though specific information distinguishing E. rileyi reducta from the nominate subspecies is limited in available sources.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetleclown-beetledefensive-behaviorhead-standNorth-AmericasubspeciesEleodes-rileyi

• Eleodes scabrosa

  desert beetle

  Eleodes scabrosa is a darkling beetle (family Tenebrionidae) native to western North America, ranging from Washington state to Mexico. The species exhibits notable habitat flexibility, occurring on temperate beaches in the northern part of its range and in desert environments farther south, with coastal preferences persisting throughout. Its black coloration and textured abdomen are characteristic of the genus Eleodes.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetledesert-beetlewestern-North-AmericacoastalEleodes

• Eleodes spiculifera

  Eleodes spiculifera is a species of clown beetle (family Tenebrionidae) described by Triplehorn in 2007. It belongs to a genus renowned for defensive head-standing behavior when disturbed. The species is part of the diverse Eleodes fauna of western North America, a region where these beetles are conspicuous components of arid and semi-arid ecosystems.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetleclown-beetledefensive-behaviorhead-standNorth-Americaarid-adapted

• Eleodes sponsa

  Eleodes sponsa is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, commonly known as clown beetles. The species was described by LeConte in 1858. Members of the genus Eleodes are characterized by their defensive "head stand" behavior, where they elevate their abdomen when threatened. The species occurs in North American grassland and prairie habitats.

  darkling-beetleclown-beetleGreat-Plainsprairiedefensive-behavior

• Eleodes suturalis

  Red-backed Darkling Beetle

  Eleodes suturalis, commonly known as the red-backed darkling beetle, is a large, flightless darkling beetle endemic to the Great Plains of North America. It is distinguished by a prominent reddish-brown stripe running along the suture of its distinctly flattened elytra. The species exhibits the characteristic defensive headstand behavior of the genus Eleodes, raising its abdomen and secreting a foul-smelling liquid when threatened. It is among the most conspicuously abundant darkling beetles in its range and has been proposed as a visual mimic of the Great Plains giant tiger beetle (Amblycheila cylindriformis).

  darkling-beetledefensive-secretionprairie-endemicmimicrynocturnal

• Eleodes tribulus

  Eleodes tribulus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Thomas in 2005. The species belongs to the large genus Eleodes, commonly known as clown beetles, which are recognized for their defensive head-stand behavior. Distribution records indicate presence in Mexico. As a relatively recently described species, detailed biological information remains limited.

  darkling-beetleclown-beetleTenebrionidaerecently-described-species

• Eleodes versatilis

  Eleodes versatilis is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, first described by Blaisdell in 1921. The genus Eleodes, commonly known as clown beetles or stink beetles, is characterized by defensive head-standing behavior when disturbed. Specific information about E. versatilis is limited; the species has been recorded in taxonomic databases but detailed natural history documentation is sparse. Members of the genus are primarily nocturnal and inhabit arid and semi-arid environments across North America.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetleclown-beetleEleodesColeopteradefensive-behavior

• Eleodes veterator

  Texas Coastal Teneb

  Eleodes veterator is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, commonly known as the Texas Coastal Teneb. As a member of the Eleodes genus, it shares the defensive "head stand" behavior characteristic of clown beetles, where the beetle elevates its abdomen to release defensive secretions. The species was described by Horn in 1874. Information specific to this species is limited compared to better-known congeners such as E. suturalis and E. hispilabris.

  darkling-beetleclown-beetledefensive-behaviorhead-standTenebrionidaeEleodesTexas-endemic

• Eleodes wenzeli

  Eleodes wenzeli is a species of darkling beetle (Tenebrionidae) described by Blaisdell in 1925. It belongs to the large genus Eleodes, commonly known as clown beetles or stink beetles due to their defensive head-standing behavior. The species is part of a taxonomically challenging complex within Eleodes that includes similar-looking species such as E. suturalis and E. hispilabris. Available occurrence records suggest limited documented observations, with 12 records in iNaturalist as of the data cutoff.

  TenebrionidaeEleodesdarkling-beetleclown-beetleColeopteraNorth-America

• Eleodes wheeleri

  desert stink beetle

  Eleodes wheeleri is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, commonly referred to as a desert stink beetle. It belongs to the large genus Eleodes, whose members are known for their defensive head-stand posture. The species was described in 2012 and is part of a diverse group of beetles adapted to arid environments.

  desertstink-beetledarkling-beetledefensive-behavior

• Eleodes wynnei

  Wynne's clown beetle

  Eleodes wynnei is a species of clown beetle (family Tenebrionidae) described in 2012. It belongs to the large genus Eleodes, which contains numerous species in North America commonly known as clown beetles or stink beetles due to their defensive head-stand posture. The species is named in honor of someone with the surname Wynne. As a recently described species, detailed natural history information remains limited in the published literature.

  clown-beetledarkling-beetleTenebrionidaeEleodesNorth-Americarecently-described-species

• Embaphion contractum

  Embaphion contractum is a darkling beetle (family Tenebrionidae) in the genus Embaphion, a group characterized by their distinctly explanate (flattened and expanded) body form. The species is found in arid and semi-arid regions of western North America. Like other tenebrionids, it is primarily nocturnal and exhibits slow, deliberate movement rather than rapid flight.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaeexplanatenocturnalwestern-North-Americasand-dunesNew-Mexico

• Embaphion contusum

  Embaphion contusum is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. The species was described by LeConte in 1858 and contains three recognized subspecies: E. c. contusum (the nominate subspecies), E. c. laminatum (Casey, 1890), and E. c. grande (Blaisdell, 1909). Like other members of the genus Embaphion, this species exhibits the explanate (flattened and expanded) body form characteristic of the group. The genus Embaphion is part of the diverse darkling beetle fauna of western North America.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaeexplanatewestern-North-AmericaLeConte-1858subspecies-present

• Embaphion depressum

  Embaphion depressum is a darkling beetle species in the family Tenebrionidae, first described by LeConte in 1851. The genus Embaphion is characterized by its distinctive explanate (flattened and expanded) body form, which gives these beetles a broad, shield-like appearance. This species is part of a small genus of North American darkling beetles adapted to arid environments. Available information on this specific species is limited, though it shares the general morphology and presumably the ecological habits of its congeners.

  darkling-beetleexplanate-body-formaridland-beetleNorth-American-endemicdata-deficient

• Embaphion elongatum

  Embaphion elongatum is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, first described by Horn in 1870. The genus Embaphion is characterized by beetles with explanate (flattened and expanded) body margins, giving them a distinctive, almost disc-like appearance. This species is part of a group of darkling beetles adapted to arid and semi-arid environments of western North America. Members of this genus are nocturnal and have been observed in sand dune habitats.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaeexplanatesand-dunenocturnalwestern-North-America

• Embaphion glabrum

  Embaphion glabrum is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, first described by Blaisdell in 1909. The species has been documented in sandy habitats of the southwestern United States, particularly in Utah. Observations indicate nocturnal activity, with adults found crawling on sandy ground beneath ponderosa pine trees at night.

  darkling-beetlenocturnalsand-dunesponderosa-pine-association

• Embaphion planum

  Embaphion planum is a darkling beetle species in the family Tenebrionidae, first described by Horn in 1870. The genus Embaphion is characterized by distinctly explanate (flanged or flattened) elytra that give these beetles a broad, flattened appearance. Species in this genus are primarily nocturnal and associated with arid and semi-arid habitats. E. planum is one of several Embaphion species found in North American desert and grassland ecosystems.

  darkling-beetlenocturnaldesertexplanate-elytraTenebrionidae

• Epantius

  Epantius is a genus of darkling beetles in the family Tenebrionidae, established by LeConte in 1851. The genus contains a single described species, Epantius obscurus. Members of this genus are part of the diverse darkling beetle fauna of North America.

  darkling-beetlemonotypic-genus

• Eschatomoxys

  Eschatomoxys is a genus of darkling beetles in the family Tenebrionidae, subfamily Pimeliinae, tribe Edrotini. The genus was established by Blaisdell in 1935 and is distributed in the Nearctic region. As a member of the Edrotini, it belongs to a tribe of arid-adapted tenebrionids often associated with desert and semi-desert environments. The genus has received taxonomic revision but published biological details remain limited.

  TenebrionidaePimeliinaeEdrotinidarkling-beetleNearcticdesert-beetle

• Eschatomoxys andrewsi

  Eschatomoxys andrewsi is a darkling beetle (family Tenebrionidae) described by Aalbu & Thomas in 2008. The genus Eschatomoxys belongs to the diverse beetle family Tenebrionidae, commonly known as darkling beetles, which are primarily detritivores and scavengers. This species is known from extremely limited occurrence records, with only a single observation documented on iNaturalist.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaeColeopterararely-observedlimited-datadescribed-2008

• Eschatomoxys pholeter

  Eschatomoxys pholeter is a species of darkling beetle described in 2008. It belongs to the family Tenebrionidae, a large group of beetles commonly associated with arid and semi-arid environments. The species epithet "pholeter" (Greek for "cave dweller") suggests a possible association with subterranean or cave habitats. As a recently described species with no iNaturalist observations, its biology and distribution remain poorly documented.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaeColeopteracave-dwelling-beetle

• Eschatoporis nunenmacheri

  Eschatoporis nunenmacheri is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Blaisdell in 1906. The genus Eschatoporis is endemic to western North America and comprises several species restricted to arid and semi-arid regions. This species, like other members of its genus, is poorly known and has not been recorded in citizen science databases such as iNaturalist. Tenebrionidae is a large family of beetles predominantly associated with dry habitats, where they function as detritivores and scavengers.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetleBlaisdell-1906western-North-Americaarid-adaptedpoorly-known-species

• Eulabini

  Eulabini is a tribe of darkling beetles in the family Tenebrionidae, established by G.H. Horn in 1870. The tribe comprises at least three genera—Apsena, Epantius, and Eulabis—all restricted to North America. Members are classified within the subfamily Tenebrioninae.

  darkling-beetleNorth-AmericanTenebrioninae

• Eulabis

  Eulabis is a genus of darkling beetles (family Tenebrionidae) within the tribe Eulabini. The genus was established by Eschscholtz in 1829 and contains species found in western North America. As members of Tenebrionidae, these beetles are generally associated with arid and semi-arid environments. The genus is relatively small and understudied compared to larger tenebrionid genera.

  ColeopteraTenebrionidaedarkling-beetleNorth-Americadesert-beetleground-beetledecomposer

• Eulabis bicarinata

  Eulabis bicarinata is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Eschscholtz in 1829. It belongs to the genus Eulabis, a group of small to medium-sized beetles within the diverse Tenebrionidae family. The species name "bicarinata" refers to the two-keeled or two-ridged structure, likely describing a diagnostic feature of the pronotum or elytra. As with many tenebrionid beetles, it is presumed to inhabit arid or semi-arid environments, though specific ecological data remain limited.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaeColeopteraEschscholtz-1829Eulabis

• Eupsophulus

  Eupsophulus is a genus of darkling beetles in the family Tenebrionidae, first described by Cockerell in 1906. The genus is native to the Nearctic region, with observations concentrated in western North America. As a member of Tenebrionidae, it belongs to a large and diverse family of beetles adapted primarily to arid and semi-arid environments. The genus contains multiple species, though detailed biological studies remain limited.

  darkling-beetleNearcticCockerell-1906

• Eusattus

  sand darkling beetle

  Eusattus is a genus of darkling beetles in the family Tenebrionidae, established by J.L. LeConte in 1851. Species within this genus are associated with sandy habitats in western North America. The genus is represented by at least one well-documented species, Eusattus reticulatus, which has been observed in juniper-oak-pinyon woodland on sandstone escarpments.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaesand-dwellingwestern-North-Americanocturnal

• Eusattus convexus

  Eusattus convexus is a darkling beetle species in the family Tenebrionidae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1851. The species is known from Mexico and has been documented through 19 iNaturalist observations. As a member of Tenebrionidae, it likely inhabits arid or semi-arid environments typical of the genus, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented in the available literature.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaeMexicoLeConte-1851Coleoptera

• Eusattus difficilis

  Eusattus difficilis is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by LeConte in 1851. The genus Eusattus belongs to a diverse group of beetles commonly known as darkling beetles, which are primarily found in arid and semi-arid environments. This species is native to Mexico, as indicated by distribution records. The specific epithet "difficilis" (Latin for "difficult") may allude to identification challenges or habitat characteristics. Darkling beetles in this genus are typically ground-dwelling and adapted to dry conditions.

  ColeopteraTenebrionidaeEusattusdarkling-beetleMexicoLeConte-1851arid-adaptedground-dwelling-beetleNorth-American-fauna

• Eusattus dilatatus

  Eusattus dilatatus is a darkling beetle species in the family Tenebrionidae, described by LeConte in 1851. The genus Eusattus comprises sand-dwelling darkling beetles found in arid regions of western North America. This species, like congeners, is adapted to sandy habitats and exhibits morphological specializations for burrowing in loose substrates. Available records indicate occurrence in Mexico, though detailed biological information remains limited.

  darkling-beetlesand-beetlepsammophilicdesert-faunaNorth-America

• Eusattus dubius

  Eusattus dubius is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1851. The genus Eusattus belongs to the tribe Solenini, a group of tenebrionid beetles predominantly found in arid and semi-arid regions of North America. Like other members of this tribe, E. dubius is likely adapted to dry habitats. The species has been documented through 28 observations on iNaturalist, indicating it is encountered with moderate frequency by naturalists, though detailed natural history information remains limited in publicly available sources.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaeSoleniniLeConte-1851North-Americaarid-adaptediNaturalist-documented

• Eusattus dubius arizonensis

  A darkling beetle subspecies described from Arizona in 1984. Part of the diverse Eusattus genus within the Tenebrionidae family, this taxon represents one of many cryptic or poorly documented beetle subspecies in the North American aridlands. The species Eusattus dubius itself was described by Casey in 1890. Very few observations exist in public databases, suggesting either genuine rarity or undercollection due to its cryptic habits.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetleArizonasubspeciescrypticaridland-beetle

• Eusattus muricatus

  Eusattus muricatus is a darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. The genus Eusattus comprises sand-dwelling species found in arid and semi-arid regions of western North America. Eusattus muricatus is one of several species in this genus adapted to sandy habitats, where it occurs as part of the ground-dwelling beetle fauna.

  darkling-beetlesand-beetlearid-adaptedground-dwellingwestern-North-AmericaTenebrionidaeEusattus

• Eusattus politus

  Eusattus politus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. The genus Eusattus comprises sand-dwelling darkling beetles found in arid and semi-arid regions of western North America. Members of this genus are typically associated with sandy substrates and are active during the warmer months. Based on related species in the genus, E. politus likely inhabits sandy grasslands and dune systems.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetlesand-beetlewestern-North-AmericaColeoptera

• Eusattus pons

  Eusattus pons is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Triplehorn in 1968. The genus Eusattus comprises sand-dwelling darkling beetles found in arid and semi-arid regions of North America. As with other members of this genus, E. pons is likely associated with sandy habitats, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented. The species is recorded from Mexico.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaesand-beetleNorth-AmericaMexicoTriplehorn-1968

• Eusattus productus

  Eusattus productus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1858. The genus Eusattus comprises small to medium-sized tenebrionids associated with sandy or loose soil habitats. The species is known from Mexico, with records indicating occurrence in arid or semi-arid regions. Like other members of the genus, it is likely nocturnal and ground-dwelling, though specific behavioral observations remain limited.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaeMexicopsammophilousnocturnalground-dwelling

• Eusattus reticulatus

  Sand Darkling Beetle

  Eusattus reticulatus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, commonly known as the sand darkling beetle. It inhabits sandy environments in southwestern North America. The species is primarily ground-dwelling and has been observed in association with juniper-oak-pinyon woodland on sandstone escarpments. Like other members of the genus, it is adapted to arid and semi-arid conditions.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetlesand-dwellingarid-habitatground-beetleNew-Mexico-fauna

• Eutochia crenata

  A darkling beetle species in the family Tenebrionidae, described by LeConte in 1866. Very little published information exists on the biology or ecology of this species.

  TenebrionidaeColeopteradarkling-beetleLeConte-1866

• Gondwanocrypticus

  Gondwanocrypticus is a genus of darkling beetles in the family Tenebrionidae, established by Koch in 1950. The genus is currently treated as a synonym in some taxonomic treatments. Records indicate presence in the Nearctic and Neotropical regions. The genus name references Gondwana, suggesting historical biogeographic connections to the southern supercontinent.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetleGondwanansynonymNeotropicalNearctic

• Gondwanocrypticus pictus

  Gondwanocrypticus pictus is a species of darkling beetle (family Tenebrionidae) described by Gebien in 1928. The genus name Gondwanocrypticus suggests a Gondwanan distribution pattern, though specific details about this species' biology, ecology, and distribution remain poorly documented in available literature. The species epithet 'pictus' (Latin for 'painted') likely refers to distinctive coloration or markings.

  ColeopteraTenebrionidaedarkling-beetleGondwanan-distributionGebien-1928

• Gonocephalum

  Dusty Surface Beetles, false wireworms

  Gonocephalum is a large genus of darkling beetles (Tenebrionidae) comprising over 350 described species with worldwide distribution on every continent except Antarctica. Commonly known as 'Dusty Surface Beetles' or 'false wireworms,' members of this genus are characterized by elongated bodies and the ecological habit of sheltering under stones, fallen leaves, or debris. Several species are significant agricultural pests, particularly in Australia where they damage seedling field crops including sorghum, sunflower, soybeans, and mungbeans. The genus serves as host for various parasites including microsporidians, haplosporidians, and mites.

  agricultural-pestfalse-wirewormdarkling-beetleroot-feederinvasive-species

• Gonocephalum sericeum

  Gonocephalum sericeum is a small darkling beetle (Tenebrionidae) native to North Africa and the Middle East. It has been introduced to North America, where it has been established in California since at least 1980. The species is adventive (non-native and established) in North America and has been confused with Blapstinus dilatatus due to similar appearance.

  darkling-beetleintroduced-speciesCaliforniaNorth-AfricaMiddle-Eastsandy-soil

• Haplandrus

  Haplandrus is a genus of darkling beetles (family Tenebrionidae) established by John Lawrence LeConte in 1862. The genus is native to North America and contains multiple species of small to medium-sized beetles. Based on iNaturalist records, the genus has been documented in approximately 359 observations, indicating moderate but not extensive field documentation. Species within this genus are part of the diverse tenebrionid fauna of arid and semi-arid regions.

  darkling-beetleNorth-Americadesert-beetleLeConte-1862

• Haplandrus fulvipes

  Haplandrus fulvipes is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, first described by Herbst in 1797. It is a small beetle native to eastern North America, with documented occurrence in southeastern Canada. The species is part of the diverse genus Haplandrus, which contains numerous small tenebrionid beetles. Based on iNaturalist records, it appears to be moderately well-observed in its native range.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetleColeopteraNorth-AmericaCanada

• Helops angustus

  Helops angustus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, first described by LeConte in 1859. Darkling beetles in this genus are characterized by elongated, somewhat flattened bodies and antennae with bead-like segments. Members of Helops are typically found in arid and semi-arid habitats of western North America. The genus is distinguished from similar tenebrionid genera by its relatively slender form and antennal structure.

  ColeopteraTenebrionidaedarkling-beetleNorth-Americaarid-habitatLeConte-1859

• Helops arizonensis

  Helops arizonensis is a darkling beetle (family Tenebrionidae) described by George Henry Horn in 1874. The species epithet reflects its association with Arizona. As a member of the genus Helops, it belongs to a group of darkling beetles that can be distinguished from superficially similar ground beetles (Carabidae) by concealed mandibles and bead-like antennae, though some Helops species exhibit ground beetle-like antennae. The genus Helops is noted for species with elongated antennae segments that approach the filiform appearance of carabids, making identification more challenging than with typical darkling beetles.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaeArizonaColeopterataxonomy

• Helops attenuatus

  attenuated darkling beetle

  Helops attenuatus is a North American darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, first described by LeConte in 1851. The species belongs to a genus characterized by elongated body forms and relatively long antennae compared to many tenebrionids. Like other members of the tribe Helopini, it exhibits morphological traits that can cause confusion with ground beetles (Carabidae), particularly in antennae structure.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaeHelopiniNorth-Americaelongated-bodylong-antennaeCarabidae-mimicry

• Helops bachei

  Helops bachei is a darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1861. The genus Helops contains species that can be challenging to distinguish from ground beetles (Carabidae) due to some shared morphological features. Like other Helops species, H. bachei possesses antennae with segments longer than wide, resembling the filamentous antennae of ground beetles rather than the bead-like antennae typical of many darkling beetles. However, it can be identified as a tenebrionid by its concealed mandibles. The species is native to North America.

  ColeopteraTenebrionidaedarkling-beetleNorth-AmericaLeConte-1861Helopsidentification-challengeCarabidae-mimicry

• Helops callosus

  Helops callosus is a darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Casey in 1890. The genus Helops belongs to a group of darkling beetles that can be challenging to distinguish from ground beetles (Carabidae) without close examination. Members of this genus exhibit some characteristics that blur typical distinctions between carabids and tenebrionids, such as antennae structure that resembles ground beetles while retaining concealed mandibles typical of darkling beetles.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetleHelopsColeopteraidentification-challengeCasey-1890

• Helops confluens

  Helops confluens is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Casey in 1924. As a member of the genus Helops, it belongs to a group of beetles commonly found in arid and semi-arid habitats across North America. The genus Helops is part of the diverse darkling beetle family, which contains over 20,000 described species worldwide. Information specific to H. confluens appears limited in the available literature.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaeNorth-AmericaCasey-1924poorly-known-species

• Helops discipulus

  Helops discipulus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Casey in 1891. As a member of the genus Helops, it belongs to the tribe Helopini within the subfamily Tenebrioninae. The genus Helops is primarily distributed in North America. Darkling beetles in this genus are typically found in terrestrial habitats and are characterized by their concealed mandibles and bead-like antennae segments, distinguishing them from predatory ground beetles.

  ColeopteraTenebrionidaedarkling-beetleHelopsNorth-AmericaCasey-1891Helopini

• Helops farctus

  Helops farctus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1858. As a member of this family, it belongs to a group of beetles characterized by hardened forewings and typically detritivorous or herbivorous feeding habits. The genus Helops is part of the diverse tenebrionid fauna of North America.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaeNorth-AmericaColeoptera

• Helops fresnoensis

  Helops fresnoensis is a darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Blaisdell in 1931. The species epithet indicates a type locality in Fresno, California. As a member of the genus Helops, it belongs to a group of darkling beetles that can be distinguished from ground beetles by concealed mandibles and bead-like antennae segments, though some Helops species have antennae that approach the filiform condition seen in Carabidae.

  ColeopteraTenebrionidaedarkling-beetleHelopsCalifornia-endemicBlaisdell-1931

• Helops impolitus

  Helops impolitus is a darkling beetle species in the family Tenebrionidae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1866. As a member of the genus Helops, it belongs to a group of beetles that can be challenging to distinguish from ground beetles (Carabidae) due to superficial similarities. The genus Helops includes species that may exhibit atypical morphological traits for darkling beetles, such as antennae that resemble those of ground beetles.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetleColeopteraLeConte-1866Helopsidentification-challenge

• Helops laetus

  Helops laetus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by LeConte in 1857. It belongs to the genus Helops, a group of darkling beetles found in western North America. The species is known from British Columbia, Canada. Darkling beetles in this genus are typically associated with forested habitats and are characterized by their elongated body form and relatively long antennae compared to some other tenebrionid genera.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaewestern-North-AmericaLeConte-1857British-Columbia

• Helops opacus

  Helops opacus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by LeConte in 1859. Like other members of the genus Helops, it belongs to a group of darkling beetles that are not part of the well-known Eleodes genus but share the family characteristics of concealed mandibles and bead-like antennae segments. The genus Helops is relatively obscure compared to the more frequently encountered darkling beetles, and specific ecological details for H. opacus remain poorly documented in the available literature.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaeColeopteraLeConte-1859North-Americaobscure-genuspoorly-known-species

• Helops perforatus

  Helops perforatus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Horn in 1880. The genus Helops belongs to a group of darkling beetles that can be challenging to distinguish from ground beetles (Carabidae) due to convergent morphological traits. Like other members of its family, it is likely associated with decomposing organic matter and aridland ecosystems, though specific natural history details for this species remain poorly documented.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaeColeopteraNorth-Americaaridland-insectsdecomposer

• Helops pernitens

  Helops pernitens is a darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, first described by LeConte in 1861. The species is notable for possessing antennae that resemble those of ground beetles (Carabidae)—elongated and filament-like rather than the bead-like form typical of most tenebrionids. This morphological convergence can lead to misidentification with predatory ground beetles. The species is found in western North America, with records from British Columbia, Canada.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaemimicryidentification-challengewestern-North-AmericaBritish-Columbia

• Helops rufipes

  Helops rufipes is a darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, first described by LeConte in 1851. The species epithet "rufipes" refers to its reddish legs. As a member of the genus Helops, it belongs to a group of darkling beetles that can be challenging to distinguish from ground beetles (Carabidae) due to superficial similarities. The genus Helops includes species that exhibit antennae resembling those of ground beetles, with segments longer than wide, unlike the bead-like antennae typical of many other darkling beetles.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaeHelopsColeopteraNorth-America

• Helops rugicollis

  Helops rugicollis is a darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by LeConte in 1866. The genus Helops includes species with elongated bodies and antennae that can resemble ground beetles, requiring careful examination for proper identification. This species is part of a diverse group of tenebrionids found in various habitats across North America.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetleColeopteraHelopsNorth-Americaidentification-challenge

• Helops rugulosus

  Helops rugulosus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1851. The genus Helops belongs to the tribe Helopini within the subfamily Tenebrioninae. Species in this genus are typically associated with decaying wood and forest floor habitats. Like other darkling beetles, they are characterized by concealed mandibles and bead-like antennae segments.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaesaproxylicforest-beetleNorth-Americadecaying-wood

• Helops spretus

  Helops spretus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by George Henry Horn in 1880. The genus Helops belongs to a diverse family of beetles commonly found in arid and semi-arid environments. Members of this genus are typically elongate and somewhat flattened in body form. No specific biological or ecological information for H. spretus has been documented in the provided sources.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetletaxonomic-confusion-riskinsufficient-data

• Helops stenotrichoides

  Helops stenotrichoides is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Blaisdell in 1895. It belongs to the genus Helops, which comprises darkling beetles found primarily in western North America. Like other members of its family, it is likely associated with decomposing plant matter and detritus in arid or semi-arid environments. The species name suggests a resemblance to or relationship with another taxon bearing the name 'stenotrichus'.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetleHelopsColeopteraNorth-AmericaBlaisdell-1895

• Helops sulcipennis

  Helops sulcipennis is a species of darkling beetle (family Tenebrionidae) described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1866. As a member of the tribe Helopini, this beetle belongs to a group of elongate, moderately sized tenebrionids that are primarily found in North America. The specific epithet 'sulcipennis' refers to grooved or furrowed elytra, a characteristic feature of this species. Like other Helopini, this beetle is likely associated with decaying wood and forest floor habitats.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaeHelopiniNorth-AmericasaproxylicwoodlandLeConte-1866

• Helops tumescens

  Helops tumescens is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, first described by LeConte in 1866. The genus Helops is part of a diverse family of beetles commonly found in arid and semi-arid environments. Darkling beetles in this family are generally characterized by their robust exoskeletons and slow, deliberate movement.

  ColeopteraTenebrionidaedarkling-beetleHelopsLeConte-1866North-America

• Hymenochara arizonensis

  Hymenochara arizonensis is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Campbell in 1978. As a member of this large beetle family, it shares characteristics typical of tenebrionids including a hardened exoskeleton and generally nocturnal habits. The species epithet 'arizonensis' indicates its association with Arizona, though specific details about its biology remain poorly documented in available literature.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaeColeopteraArizona-endemicCampbell-1978nocturnal-beetledesert-beetle

• Hymenochara rufipes

  Hymenochara rufipes is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1824. The specific epithet "rufipes" refers to reddish legs, a common diagnostic trait in this species. As a member of Tenebrionidae, it belongs to one of the largest beetle families, with members typically associated with dry habitats and often exhibiting nocturnal behavior. The species is documented from eastern Canada, specifically Ontario and Québec.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetleColeopteraCanadaOntarioQuébecLeConte-1824rufipesHymenochara

• Hymenorus

  comb-clawed beetle

  Hymenorus is a genus of comb-clawed beetles in the family Tenebrionidae, subfamily Alleculinae. These beetles were formerly classified in their own family, Alleculidae, but were recently reclassified as part of Tenebrionidae. They represent one of several groups of beetles that complicate the traditional 'darkling beetle' stereotype, as they do not closely resemble the more familiar Eleodes-type darkling beetles.

  darkling-beetlecomb-clawed-beetleAlleculinaereclassified-taxon

• Hymenorus arkansanus

  Hymenorus arkansanus is a species of comb-clawed beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, subfamily Alleculinae. It was described by Fall in 1931. The genus Hymenorus was formerly classified as a separate family (Alleculidae) but has been reclassified as a subfamily within Tenebrionidae. Members of this genus do not resemble typical darkling beetles in appearance.

  darkling-beetlecomb-clawed-beetleAlleculinaeColeopteraTenebrionidaeNorth-America

• Hymenorus densus

  Hymenorus densus is a small beetle species in the family Tenebrionidae, specifically within the subfamily Alleculinae (comb-clawed beetles). The genus Hymenorus was historically classified as a separate family (Alleculidae) before being subsumed into Tenebrionidae. Species in this genus are characterized by comb-like tarsal claws and relatively long, thread-like antennae that can resemble those of ground beetles (Carabidae), potentially causing identification confusion. H. densus was described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1866 and is known from Mexico.

  darkling-beetlecomb-clawed-beetleTenebrionidaeAlleculinaeMexicoLeConte-1866

• Hymenorus dissensus

  Comb-clawed beetle

  Hymenorus dissensus is a species of comb-clawed beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, subfamily Alleculinae. Like other members of this subfamily, it possesses comb-like tarsal claws. The genus Hymenorus was historically classified as a separate family (Alleculidae) before being incorporated into Tenebrionidae. Very little species-specific information is documented for H. dissensus.

  darkling-beetlecomb-clawed-beetleAlleculinaeTenebrionidaeColeoptera

• Hymenorus dorsalis

  Hymenorus dorsalis is a small beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, specifically within the subfamily Alleculinae (comb-clawed beetles). Originally described by Schwarz in 1878, this species is part of a group of darkling beetles that were formerly classified as a separate family before being assimilated into Tenebrionidae. The genus Hymenorus is characterized by antennae with longer segments that superficially resemble those of ground beetles (Carabidae), making visual identification challenging without close examination. Records of this species are sparse, with limited observational data available.

  darkling-beetlecomb-clawed-beetleAlleculinaeColeopteraTenebrionidaeHymenorusNorth-AmericaSchwarz-1878

• Hymenorus heteropygus

  Hymenorus heteropygus is a small darkling beetle in the subfamily Alleculinae (comb-clawed beetles), described by Fall in 1931. As a member of the Tenebrionidae, it belongs to a group of beetles formerly classified as a separate family but now subsumed into the darkling beetles. Species in this genus and subfamily are typically small, inconspicuous beetles that do not resemble the more familiar 'classic' darkling beetles like Eleodes.

  ColeopteraTenebrionidaeAlleculinaecomb-clawed-beetledarkling-beetleFall-1931

• Hymenorus humeralis

  Hymenorus humeralis is a species of comb-clawed beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, subfamily Alleculinae. First described by LeConte in 1866, this species belongs to a group formerly classified as the separate family Alleculidae. Comb-clawed beetles are characterized by their distinctive antennae and tarsal claws, and are now recognized as a subfamily within the darkling beetles.

  TenebrionidaeAlleculinaecomb-clawed-beetledarkling-beetleNorth-AmericaLeConte-1866Coleoptera

• Hymenorus illusus

  Hymenorus illusus is a small beetle species in the family Tenebrionidae, specifically within the subfamily Alleculinae (comb-clawed beetles). The species was described by Fall in 1931. As a member of Alleculinae, it possesses the distinctive comb-like tarsal claws that characterize this group. Comb-clawed beetles were formerly treated as a separate family but are now classified within Tenebrionidae.

  ColeopteraTenebrionidaeAlleculinaecomb-clawed-beetledarkling-beetleNorth-AmericaFall-1931

• Hymenorus picipennis

  Hymenorus picipennis is a species of comb-clawed beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, subfamily Alleculinae. The genus Hymenorus was historically classified as a separate family but is now treated as a subfamily within Tenebrionidae. Species in this group are small beetles with distinctive antennae and are part of the diverse darkling beetle fauna of North America. The specific epithet "picipennis" refers to the pitch-black coloration of the legs.

  Alleculinaecomb-clawed-beetledarkling-beetleNorth-AmericaTenebrionidae

• Hymenorus sinuatus

  Hymenorus sinuatus is a species of comb-clawed beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, subfamily Alleculinae. The genus Hymenorus was formerly classified in its own family but is now treated as part of Tenebrionidae. This species was described by Fall in 1931. Members of the Alleculinae differ from typical darkling beetles in having more elongate bodies and comb-like claws on the hind tarsi.

  comb-clawed-beetleAlleculinaedarkling-beetleTenebrionidaeColeopteraNorth-AmericaBritish-Columbia

• Hypophlaeini

  Hypophlaeini is a tribe of darkling beetles (family Tenebrionidae, subfamily Diaperinae) established by Billberg in 1820. The tribe contains multiple genera of small to medium-sized beetles. Members are characterized by features of the mouthparts and tarsal structure that distinguish them from related tribes in Diaperinae. The group has been documented across multiple continents with over 1,300 research-grade observations recorded on iNaturalist.

  tribedarkling-beetleDiaperinaeBillberg-1820

• Idiobates castaneus

  Idiobates castaneus is a North American darkling beetle and the sole member of its genus. The species is known from eastern Canada and has been documented in Ontario and Québec. Its life history includes described larval and pupal stages. The genus Idiobates is monotypic within the family Tenebrionidae.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaemonotypic-genusNorth-AmericaCanada

• Iphthiminus

  Iphthiminus is a genus of darkling beetles in the family Tenebrionidae, subfamily Tenebrioninae. The genus contains at least four described species distributed in North America. Members are primarily associated with coniferous forests, where they inhabit decaying wood and feed on fungal resources. They are nocturnal and have been observed on the trunks and stumps of recently fallen or cut pines.

  darkling-beetleconifernocturnaldecomposerfungivorebark-beetleNorth-America

• Iphthiminus opacus

  Cloudy Darkling Beetle

  A darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, found in eastern North America from Canada through the northeastern United States. Adults are nocturnal and have been observed on coniferous trees, particularly pines. The species is part of a genus that includes several North American species associated with forested habitats.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetlenocturnalconiferous-forestNorth-AmericaIphthiminus

• Isomira comstocki

  Isomira comstocki is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Papp in 1956. The species is recorded from western Canada, specifically Alberta and British Columbia. As a member of the genus Isomira, it belongs to a group of small to medium-sized tenebrionid beetles. Information on its biology and ecology is limited.

  ColeopteraTenebrionidaeIsomiradarkling-beetleCanadaAlbertaBritish-Columbiawestern-North-America

• Isomira quadristriata

  Isomira quadristriata is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, first described by Couper in 1865. It belongs to a genus of small to medium-sized beetles commonly associated with decaying organic matter. The species has been documented across multiple Canadian provinces, suggesting adaptation to temperate North American environments.

  darkling-beetleCanadian-faunaTenebrionidae

• Isomira valida

  Isomira valida is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Schwarz in 1878. It is a member of the genus Isomira, which comprises small to medium-sized beetles distributed primarily in the Nearctic region. The species has been documented in Ontario, Canada, based on available occurrence records. As with many tenebrionid beetles, detailed natural history information for this species remains limited in published literature.

  beetleColeopteraTenebrionidaedarkling-beetleNearctic

• Isomira variabilis

  Isomira variabilis is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, first described by Horn in 1875. Like other members of this large beetle family, it is likely associated with decaying plant matter and soil habitats. The genus Isomira contains small to medium-sized beetles found primarily in North America. Specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented in available sources.

  ColeopteraTenebrionidaedarkling-beetleNorth-America

• Knausia

  Knausia is a genus of darkling beetles (Tenebrionidae) established by Fall in 1931. The genus is native to the Nearctic region. Very little published information exists on this genus, with only one observation documented on iNaturalist.

  darkling-beetlerarely-encounteredNorth-American

• Lariversius

  Lariversius is a monotypic genus of darkling beetles (family Tenebrionidae) described by Blaisdell in 1947. The genus contains a single species, Lariversius tibialis. It belongs to the tribe Amphidorini within the subfamily Blaptinae.

  monotypicdarkling-beetleAmphidoriniBlaptinaeBlaisdell-1947

• Lariversius tibialis

  Lariversius tibialis is the sole species in the monotypic genus Lariversius, a genus of darkling beetles in the family Tenebrionidae. Described by Blaisdell in 1947, this species is known from limited collection records. The genus name honors L. Rivers, and the specific epithet refers to the tibial structure.

  monotypic-genusdarkling-beetlerareBlaisdell-1947

• Leichenum canaliculatum

  Madagascar beetle

  Leichenum canaliculatum is a darkling beetle (family Tenebrionidae) commonly known as the Madagascar beetle. It has a cosmopolitan distribution and has been documented in sandy habitats in Florida. The species was originally described as Opatrum canaliculatum by Fabricius in 1798. It is one of the more frequently observed tenebrionids, with over 200 iNaturalist records.

  cosmopolitansandy-habitatdarkling-beetleFlorida

• Lepidocnemeplatia sericea

  Lepidocnemeplatia sericea is a darkling beetle species in the family Tenebrionidae, first described by Horn in 1870. The species has been recorded from Mexico and Hawaii, with iNaturalist documenting 32 observations. As a member of the Tenebrionidae, it belongs to a large family of beetles commonly known as darkling beetles, which are predominantly detritivores and are particularly diverse in arid and semi-arid environments.

  ColeopteraTenebrionidaedarkling-beetleMexicoHawaiiintroduced-species

• Liodema

  Liodema is a genus of darkling beetles (family Tenebrionidae) established by Horn in 1870. The genus is native to the Nearctic and Neotropical regions, with records from Colorado and broader distribution across the Americas. It is a poorly documented genus with very few observations in citizen science databases.

  ColeopteraTenebrionidaedarkling-beetleNearcticNeotropicalHorn-1870rarely-observed

• Liodema laeve

  Liodema laeve is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. As a member of this family, it likely exhibits the hardened forewings (elytra) characteristic of beetles and the general body plan typical of tenebrionids. No specific observations or detailed biological studies of this species have been documented in the provided sources.

  ColeopteraTenebrionidaedarkling-beetlebeetle

• Litasida

  Litasida is a genus of darkling beetles in the family Tenebrionidae, established by Casey in 1912. The genus is poorly documented, with minimal published information available regarding its species composition, ecology, and natural history. It belongs to the diverse beetle family Tenebrionidae, which contains over 20,000 described species worldwide, many of which are adapted to arid environments. The genus appears to be restricted to the Nearctic region based on available distribution records.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetleNearcticCasey-1912obscure-genus

• Lobometopon

  Lobometopon is a genus of darkling beetles (family Tenebrionidae) established by Thomas L. Casey in 1907. The genus belongs to the large and diverse family of Tenebrionidae, which comprises primarily detritivorous and xerophilic beetles. As a genus-level taxon, Lobometopon contains multiple species distributed in North America. The group is poorly documented in primary literature, with limited species-level revisions published since its original description.

  darkling-beetledesert-beetleNorth-American-endemicCasey-1907

• Lobometopon fusiforme

  Lobometopon fusiforme is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. It was originally described by Casey in 1890 under the genus Epitragus and later transferred to Lobometopon. The species is known from Mexico and is represented by a small number of observations. Its taxonomic status is marked as doubtful in some databases, suggesting potential issues with classification or identification.

  beetledarkling-beetleColeopteraTenebrionidaeMexicodoubtful-taxonomy

• Lobopoda

  Lobopoda is a genus of comb-clawed beetles in the family Tenebrionidae, subfamily Alleculinae. The genus contains numerous species distributed across the Nearctic and Neotropical regions. The type species is Lobopoda striata. Members of this genus are characterized by the distinctive comb-like tarsal claws that give the group its common name.

  beetlecomb-clawed-beetledarkling-beetleTenebrionidaeAlleculinae

• Lobopoda nigrans

  Lobopoda nigrans is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Melsheimer in 1846. It belongs to the genus Lobopoda, a group of small to medium-sized beetles found primarily in North America. The species has been documented through limited observations, with 18 records on iNaturalist as of the data cutoff. Like other tenebrionids, it is likely associated with decaying organic matter and dry habitats.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaeNorth-Americaunderstudied-species

• Lystronychus championi

  Lystronychus championi is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by George Henry Horn in 1894. As a member of this diverse beetle family, it belongs to a group known for their adaptation to arid environments and nocturnal habits. The species epithet honors an individual named Champion, likely the collector or another person significant to its discovery. Very little specific biological information is available for this particular species.

  ColeopteraTenebrionidaedarkling-beetleHorn-1894insectbeetledesert-beetlenocturnal-beetle

• Lystronychus scapularis

  Lystronychus scapularis is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Champion in 1888. It belongs to a diverse family of beetles commonly found in arid and semi-arid environments. The genus Lystronychus is part of the tenebrionid radiation in North America, with this species recorded from Mexico.

  TenebrionidaeColeopteradarkling-beetleMexicoChampion-1888LystronychusNorth-America

• Menoeceus

  Menoeceus is a genus of darkling beetles in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Champion in 1888. The genus is distributed in the Nearctic and Neotropical regions. As a tenebrionid genus, it belongs to a large and diverse family of beetles commonly associated with arid and semi-arid environments. The genus name derives from Greek mythology, though this etymological origin has no biological significance.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaeColeopteraNearcticNeotropical

• Menoeceus texanus

  Menoeceus texanus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Champion in 1888. The genus Menoeceus is a small group within this large family of beetles. Very little specific information is available about this particular species beyond its taxonomic classification.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaeColeopteraTexasChampion-1888

• Meracantha

  Meracantha is a genus of darkling beetles in the family Tenebrionidae, established by Kirby in 1837. The genus contains one extant species, M. contracta, and one extinct species, M. lacustris, known from fossil remains. Members of this genus are found in North America.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaeNorth-Americaextinct-speciesfossil

• Meracantha contracta

  Contracted Darkling Beetle

  Meracantha contracta is a North American darkling beetle (Tenebrionidae) distinguished by its strongly convex, humped body profile and association with decaying wood. Adults measure 11-14 mm and are bronze-black when mature. The species overwinters as larvae within rotting logs, producing antifreeze compounds to survive temperatures down to approximately -11°C. It has been recorded from at least Ontario, Canada, with broader distribution across North America.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaewood-associatedoverwintering-larvaeantifreezelichen-feederNorth-America

• Merinus laevis

  Smooth Darkling Beetle

  Merinus laevis is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, commonly known as the Smooth Darkling Beetle. It is native to eastern North America, with confirmed records from Ontario and Québec in Canada. As a member of the darkling beetle family, it likely occupies habitats typical of tenebrionids, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented in published literature.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaeColeopteraeastern-North-AmericaCanada

• Metaclisa

  Metaclisa is a genus of darkling beetles (Tenebrionidae) and the sole genus of the tribe Metaclisini. It contains at least four described species. The genus has a notably broad geographic distribution spanning multiple biogeographic realms.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaeMetaclisinidisjunct-distribution

• Metaclisa atra

  Metaclisa atra is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by LeConte in 1866. The genus Metaclisa belongs to the subfamily Lagriinae within the diverse beetle family Tenebrionidae. Very little published information exists regarding the specific biology, ecology, or distribution of this particular species. The species epithet "atra" refers to its black coloration. Records in GBIF and iNaturalist indicate it is a rarely encountered species with limited observational data.

  TenebrionidaeLagriinaedarkling-beetleColeopterararely-documented

• Metaclisa seditiosa

  Metaclisa seditiosa is a species of darkling beetle (family Tenebrionidae) described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1862. It belongs to the tribe Cryptochilini, a group of tenebrionids characterized by particular morphological adaptations. The genus Metaclisa comprises relatively obscure species with limited published biological data. M. seditiosa is primarily known from taxonomic collections and historical descriptions, with few modern ecological studies documenting its natural history.

  darkling-beetleCryptochiliniLeConte-speciesarid-land-beetleNorth-American-endemic

• Metopoloba

  Metopoloba is a genus of darkling beetles (family Tenebrionidae) described by Casey in 1907. The genus is endemic to the Nearctic region, with 244 observations recorded on iNaturalist. As a member of Tenebrionidae, it belongs to a large and diverse family of beetles primarily associated with arid and semi-arid environments. Species-level taxonomy within this genus remains poorly documented in public sources.

  darkling-beetleNearcticCasey-1907

• Metopoloba pruinosa

  Metopoloba pruinosa is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, first described by Horn in 1870. The species is classified within the order Coleoptera and is part of the diverse beetle fauna of North America. Very little specific biological information has been published for this particular species.

  ColeopteraTenebrionidaedarkling-beetleNorth-American-fauna

• Metoponium

  Metoponium is a genus of darkling beetles (Tenebrionidae) described by Thomas Lincoln Casey Jr. in 1907. The genus is endemic to North America and comprises two subgenera: Metoponiopsis and Metoponium. At least one species, Metoponium bicolor, has been documented damaging agricultural crops.

  darkling-beetleagricultural-pestNorth-American-endemic

• Metoponium abnorme

  Metoponium abnorme is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. The genus Metoponium is a small group within this large family of beetles, which are primarily distributed in arid and semi-arid regions. Very few records exist for this species, and its biology remains poorly documented.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetleColeopteraMetoponiumrarely-recordeddata-deficient

• Metoponium abnorme abnorme

  Metoponium abnorme abnorme is a subspecies of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, originally described by LeConte in 1851. The genus Metoponium contains species associated with arid and semi-arid regions of western North America. As a nominate subspecies, it represents the typical form of Metoponium abnorme. Published records for this taxon are sparse, with no observations documented in major biodiversity databases.

  ColeopteraTenebrionidaedarkling-beetlesubspeciesnominate-subspeciesLeConte-1851

• Microschatia championi

  Microschatia championi is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Horn in 1893. The genus Microschatia belongs to a diverse family of primarily nocturnal beetles commonly found in arid and semi-arid environments. This species is known from Mexico based on distribution records.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetleMexicoColeopteraHorn-1893

• Microschatia inaequalis

  Microschatia inaequalis is a species of darkling beetle (family Tenebrionidae) native to southwestern North America. Its known distribution is restricted to southern California south of Los Angeles and northern Baja California Norte. As a member of the Tenebrionidae, it belongs to a large family of beetles commonly associated with arid and semi-arid environments.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaeCaliforniaBaja-Californiaendemicarid-adaptedColeopteraNorth-Americasouthwestern-North-AmericaLeConte-1851

• Microschatia morata

  Microschatia morata is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, first described by Horn in 1878. It belongs to a genus of small to medium-sized beetles distributed in North America. The species has been documented in Mexico based on collection records.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaeColeopteraMexicoNorth-America

• Mycetochara bicolor

  Mycetochara bicolor is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Couper in 1865. It is known from eastern Canada, with records from New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Quebec. As a member of the Tenebrionidae, it belongs to a large family of beetles commonly associated with decaying plant matter and fungi.

  TenebrionidaeColeopteradarkling-beetleCanadaNorth-America1865-description

• Mycetochara haldemani

  Mycetochara haldemani is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. The genus Mycetochara comprises fungus-feeding beetles, and this species follows that ecological pattern. It is known from scattered observations across North America, with records from the Great Plains region. The specific epithet honors the entomologist Samuel Stehman Haldeman.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetlefungivoreGreat-Plains

• Mycotrogus

  Mycotrogus is a genus of darkling beetles (family Tenebrionidae) described by Horn in 1870. The genus is poorly documented, with minimal published information on its biology and ecology. Records indicate presence in the Nearctic and Neotropical regions.

  darkling-beetleunderdocumented

• Mycotrogus angustus

  Mycotrogus angustus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Horn in 1870. The genus Mycotrogus belongs to a diverse family of beetles commonly known for their association with arid environments and detritivorous feeding habits. Very little specific information has been published about this particular species.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaeColeopteraHorn-1870

• Mycotrogus mentalis

  Mycotrogus mentalis is a darkling beetle species in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Blaisdell in 1923. The genus Mycotrogus is a small group within this large family of primarily detritivorous beetles. This species is known from Mexico, though detailed biological information remains limited in available literature. Like other tenebrionids, it likely occupies arid or semi-arid environments.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaeMexicoBlaisdell-1923

• Myrmechixenus

  Myrmechixenus is a genus of darkling beetles in the family Tenebrionidae, subfamily Diaperinae. The genus contains two recognized species: M. lathridioides and M. picinus. Members of this genus are small beetles associated with ant colonies.

  ColeopteraTenebrionidaeDiaperinaeMyrmechixeniniant-associatedEuropeNorth-AmericaDenmarkNorwaySwedengenusdarkling-beetle

• Nalassus aereus

  Nalassus aereus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, tribe Palorini. The species was described by Germar in 1823. As a member of this tribe, it is associated with stored products and dry organic matter. The genus Nalassus includes species commonly found in granaries, warehouses, and similar environments.

  stored-product-pestdarkling-beetlePalorinigranary-beetle

• Nalassus californicus

  Nalassus californicus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, first described by Mannerheim in 1843. The species epithet reflects its association with California. As a member of this large beetle family, it likely inhabits dry, terrestrial environments typical of many tenebrionids. Very few observations of this species have been recorded, with only two documented observations in iNaturalist as of the knowledge cutoff.

  ColeopteraTenebrionidaedarkling-beetledata-deficientrarely-observed

• Nalassus convexulus

  Nalassus convexulus is a small darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, first described by LeConte in 1861. It belongs to a genus of beetles commonly associated with dead wood and forest floor habitats. The species is rarely encountered, with few documented observations.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaeNorth-Americararely-observed

• Neobaphion

  Neobaphion is a genus of darkling beetles (Tenebrionidae) established by Blaisdell in 1925. The genus is native to the Nearctic region and contains relatively few described species. As a member of the Tenebrionidae family, it belongs to one of the largest families of beetles, characterized by their generally cryptic habits and association with arid or semi-arid environments. The genus remains poorly studied, with limited published information on its biology and ecology.

  darkling-beetleNearcticdesert-beetleBlaisdellTenebrionidaeColeoptera

• Neobaphion planipenne

  Neobaphion planipenne is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1866. It belongs to a genus with limited documented species, and like other members of Tenebrionidae, it exhibits morphological adaptations associated with arid or semi-arid environments. The species name 'planipenne' refers to the flattened (plane) wing condition. Documentation of this species in scientific literature and biodiversity databases remains sparse.

  darkling-beetleLeConte-1866western-North-America

• Neomida bicornis

  Two-horned Darkling Beetle

  Neomida bicornis, commonly known as the Two-horned Darkling Beetle, is a small species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. The species is characterized by the distinctive horn-like projections on its head, 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.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetlenocturnalhornNorth-America

• Neomida ferruginea

  Neomida ferruginea is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, first described by LeConte in 1866. The species is known from Mexico based on distribution records. As a member of Tenebrionidae, it shares family characteristics including a hardened exoskeleton and typically nocturnal habits, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaeMexicoLeConte-1866

• Nocibiotes

  Nocibiotes is a genus of darkling beetles in the family Tenebrionidae, established by Casey in 1895. It is distributed in the Nearctic region. The genus is relatively poorly documented in scientific literature, with limited published information on its biology and ecology.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetleNearcticCasey-1895

• Notibius puberulus

  Notibius puberulus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1851. The genus Notibius is a small, poorly known group within the large tenebrionid fauna of North America. This species has been recorded from Mexico and appears to be rarely collected, with limited biological information available.

  darkling-beetleLeConte-1851Mexican-faunararely-collected

• Nyctoporini

  Nyctoporini is a tribe of darkling beetles (family Tenebrionidae, subfamily Pimeliinae) established by Lacordaire in 1859. The tribe includes the genus Nyctoporis, which contains approximately five described species distributed in North America. Members of this tribe are ground-dwelling beetles associated with arid and semi-arid environments.

  darkling-beetledesert-beetleground-beetledetritivorearid-adapted

• Nyctoporis

  Nyctoporis is a genus of darkling beetles in the family Tenebrionidae, established by Eschscholtz in 1831. The genus comprises five described species distributed in North America. These beetles belong to the subfamily Pimeliinae and tribe Nyctoporini. Members of this genus are part of the diverse tenebrionid fauna characteristic of arid and semi-arid regions of western North America.

  darkling-beetledesert-beetlenocturnalNorth-AmericadecomposerPimeliinae

• Nyctoporis aequicollis

  Nyctoporis aequicollis is a darkling beetle (family Tenebrionidae) described by Eschscholtz in 1831. It belongs to a genus of beetles found in western North America. The species is rarely documented, with limited published information on its biology.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaewestern-North-Americararely-documented

• Nyctoporis carinata

  armored night-walker, flightless darkling beetle

  Nyctoporis carinata is a flightless darkling beetle endemic to California, found in leaf litter and rocky debris along the coast and Coast Ranges. Adults measure 12–16 mm and are characterized by fused, non-functional wing covers (elytra) that render them permanently flightless. The species exhibits a heavily sculptured exoskeleton with indentations, bumps, and ridges. Preliminary genetic analysis suggests possible conspecificity with Nyctoporis vandykei.

  endemicflightlessCaliforniadarkling-beetleleaf-litternocturnal

• Nyctoporis cristata

  Nyctoporis cristata is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, first described by Eschscholtz in 1831. It belongs to the tribe Nyctoporini, a group of tenebrionid beetles often associated with arid and semi-arid environments. The species epithet 'cristata' refers to a crested or ridged feature, likely describing a morphological characteristic of the pronotum or elytra. Like other members of its genus, it is presumed to be nocturnal and ground-dwelling.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaenocturnalground-dwellingNorth-America

• Nyctoporis sponsa

  Nyctoporis sponsa is a darkling beetle (family Tenebrionidae) described by Casey in 1907. The genus Nyctoporis is native to western North America, and members are generally associated with arid and semi-arid habitats. The species is documented in scattered records across the southwestern United States.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetlewestern-North-AmericaCasey-1907

• Oenopion

  Oenopion is a genus of darkling beetles (family Tenebrionidae) described by Champion in 1885. The genus is distributed in the Nearctic and Neotropical regions. As with many tenebrionid genera, detailed biological information remains limited in published literature.

  ColeopteraTenebrionidaedarkling-beetleNearcticNeotropicalChampion-1885

• Oenopion zopheroides

  Oenopion zopheroides is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, first described by Horn in 1874. The species is endemic to Mexico and belongs to a genus of relatively obscure beetles with limited published documentation. Available records indicate it is a rarely collected species with few observations in natural history databases.

  TenebrionidaeColeopteraMexicoendemicdarkling-beetle

• Onychomira

  Onychomira is a genus of darkling beetles in the family Tenebrionidae, established by Campbell in 1984. It is a small genus with limited documented species, restricted to the Nearctic region. Members are ground-dwelling beetles associated with arid and semi-arid environments typical of many tenebrionids.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetleNearcticarid-habitat

• Onychomira floridensis

  Onychomira floridensis is a darkling beetle (family Tenebrionidae) described by Campbell in 1984. The genus Onychomira is part of the speciose family Tenebrionidae, commonly known as darkling beetles, which are primarily detritivores and are abundant in arid and semi-arid environments. No specific ecological or behavioral studies have been published for this species.

  ColeopteraTenebrionidaedarkling-beetleFlorida-endemicCampbell-1984PolyphagaCucujiformiaOnychomiraNorth-AmericaUSASoutheastern-United-Statesundocumented-ecologydata-deficient

• Oploptera simplicicolle

  Oploptera simplicicolle is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. The genus Oploptera contains multiple described species, though published information on this particular species remains limited. It is known from a small number of observations, primarily in southern Africa.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaeAfrican-fauna

• Palorus

  Palorus is a genus of darkling beetles in the family Tenebrionidae, established by Mulsant in 1854. The genus contains at least four described species, including several recognized as pests of stored grain products. Species such as Palorus ratzeburgi (small-eyed flour beetle) and P. subdepressus (depressed flour beetle) are economically significant stored product pests. The genus belongs to the tribe Palorini within the subfamily Tenebrioninae.

  stored-product-pestgrain-pestTenebrionidaedarkling-beetleColeoptera

• Palorus ratzeburgii

  small-eyed flour beetle

  Palorus ratzeburgii, commonly known as the small-eyed flour beetle, is a darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. It belongs to a genus associated with stored products and grain storage environments. The species is part of a group of beetles often found in human-modified habitats related to food storage.

  stored-product-pestgrain-pestdarkling-beetlesynanthropic

• Palorus subdepressus

  Depressed Flour Beetle

  Palorus subdepressus, commonly known as the depressed flour beetle, is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. The species has been recorded in Europe and North America, with additional distribution records from the Azores (Terceira) and Austria. It belongs to a genus associated with stored products and dry organic matter.

  ColeopteraTenebrionidaestored-product-beetledarkling-beetle

• Paratenetus exutus

  Paratenetus exutus is a species of darkling beetle (family Tenebrionidae) described in 2014. The genus Paratenetus belongs to a group of tenebrionids associated with arid and semi-arid environments. This species is known from a small number of observations, reflecting either genuine rarity or limited survey effort in its range.

  ColeopteraTenebrionidaedarkling-beetlerecently-described-species

• Paratenetus fuscus

  Brownish Darkling Beetle

  Paratenetus fuscus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. The species was described by LeConte in 1850. Records indicate a distribution across multiple Canadian provinces from British Columbia to Ontario, including northern territories. As a member of the Tenebrionidae family, it shares the general characteristics of darkling beetles, including a hardened exoskeleton and typically cryptic coloration.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaeColeopteraCanada

• Paratenetus texanus

  Paratenetus texanus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described in 2014. The genus Paratenetus was established relatively recently, and this species is one of its members. As a tenebrionid beetle, it belongs to a large family of primarily detritivorous beetles commonly found in arid and semi-arid environments. Very little specific biological information has been published about this particular species.

  ColeopteraTenebrionidaedarkling-beetleMexico2014-description

• Pelecyphorus

  Pelecyphorus is a genus of darkling beetles (family Tenebrionidae). The genus has been assigned to different families in historical literature, with Catalogue of Life listing it as a synonym within Staphylinidae (rove beetles) under the genus Euryporus, while GBIF and NCBI recognize it as a valid genus in Tenebrionidae. The genus occurs in the Nearctic region, with 270 observations recorded on iNaturalist.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaeNearctictaxonomic-discrepancybeetle

• Pelecyphorus contortus

  Pelecyphorus contortus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1853 from the southwestern United States. The species was originally described under the genus Microschatia before transfer to Pelecyphorus. Records indicate it occurs in arid regions, consistent with the desert-adapted ecology typical of many tenebrionid beetles. The genus Pelecyphorus is characterized by compact body forms and cryptic coloration suited to xeric environments.

  ColeopteraTenebrionidaedarkling-beetleLeConte-1853southwestern-United-Statesarid-adaptedPelecyphorus

• Pelecyphorus liratus

  Pelecyphorus liratus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, first described by LeConte in 1854. The genus Pelecyphorus belongs to a group of tenebrionids often associated with arid and semi-arid environments. Records indicate this species occurs in Mexico, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented in published literature.

  beetledarkling-beetleMexicodata-deficient

• Pelecyphorus regularis

  Pelecyphorus regularis is a species of darkling beetle (family Tenebrionidae) described by Horn in 1870. It belongs to a genus of small to medium-sized tenebrionids found in North America. The species has been recorded from Mexico based on distribution data, though detailed biological information remains limited. As with many tenebrionid beetles, it likely inhabits arid or semi-arid environments, though specific habitat associations have not been documented.

  TenebrionidaeColeopteradarkling-beetleMexicoHorn-1870

• Pentaphyllus

  Pentaphyllus is a genus of darkling beetles (family Tenebrionidae) containing approximately six described species. The genus was established by Dejean in 1821 and is classified within the subfamily Diaperinae. Species in this genus occur in Europe and North America, with distribution records from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and western North America.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaeDiaperinaeColeoptera

• Pentaphyllus californicus

  Pentaphyllus californicus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Horn in 1870. It belongs to the subfamily Pentaphyllinae, a group characterized by distinctive morphological features. The species is endemic to California, reflecting the biogeographic pattern common to many members of this genus. As with other tenebrionid beetles, it is likely associated with decaying organic matter and forest floor habitats, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaeCalifornia-endemicHorn-1870Pentaphyllinae

• Pentaphyllus pallidus

  Pentaphyllus pallidus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by LeConte in 1866. It belongs to a genus characterized by five-segmented tarsi, a distinctive trait reflected in its name (Greek: penta = five, phyllon = leaf/lobe, referring to tarsal segments). The species is known from eastern Canada, with records from Ontario and Québec. Like other tenebrionids, it likely inhabits decaying organic matter and debris in forested environments, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaeCanadian-faunaforest-beetledecomposer

• Pentaphyllus testaceus

  Pentaphyllus testaceus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. It was originally described by Hellwig in 1792 under the name Mycetophagus testacea. The species has been documented in parts of Europe and North America, including Ontario, Canada. Darkling beetles in this family are generally associated with decaying organic matter and dry habitats.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetleColeopteraPalearcticNearctic

• Phaleria rotundata

  Phaleria rotundata is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, first described by LeConte in 1851. The species is known from Mexico based on distribution records. As a member of Tenebrionidae, it belongs to a large family of beetles commonly associated with dry, dark habitats. Little detailed biological information is available for this specific species.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaeColeopteraMexico

• Phaleria testacea

  Phaleria testacea is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Thomas Say in 1824. The species belongs to the subfamily Phaleriinae, a group commonly associated with coastal and intertidal habitats. Records indicate presence in Colombia and Mexico. As a member of Phaleria, it is part of a genus adapted to saline environments.

  beach-beetleintertidalsalt-tolerantdarkling-beetlecoastal

• Phaleromela variegata

  Variegated Darkling Beetle

  Phaleromela variegata is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Triplehorn in 1961. The species occurs across northern and western Canada, including Alberta, British Columbia, the Northwest Territories, Saskatchewan, and Yukon. As a member of the Tenebrionidae, it belongs to a diverse family of beetles commonly known as darkling beetles, many of which are adapted to arid or semi-arid environments. The specific epithet 'variegata' suggests variable coloration, though detailed morphological descriptions are limited in available sources.

  ColeopteraTenebrionidaedarkling-beetleCanadanorthern-distributionTriplehorn-1961

• Phellopsini

  Phellopsini is a tribe of darkling beetles in the family Zopheridae, subfamily Zopherinae. Members of this tribe are characterized by their heavily sclerotized, often sculptured exoskeletons and compact body forms. The tribe was established by Ślipiński & Lawrence in 1999 based on phylogenetic analysis of Zopheridae. Phellopsini contains several genera distributed primarily in the Southern Hemisphere.

  beetledarkling-beetleZopheridaeGondwanan-distributionheavily-sclerotized

• Philolithus

  Philolithus is a genus of darkling beetles in the family Tenebrionidae, containing approximately seven described species. The genus is native to North America, with species distributed across the southwestern United States and adjacent regions. Members are typically encountered in arid and semi-arid habitats, including sand dunes, saltbush shrubland, and juniper-oak-pinyon woodland. One species, Philolithus aeger, has been observed in sand dune habitats at the interface with saltbush shrubland.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaearid-land-beetleNorth-Americaground-beetle

• Philolithus actuosus

  Philolithus actuosus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Horn in 1870. It belongs to a genus of robust, ground-dwelling beetles found in arid and semi-arid regions of North America. Like other Philolithus species, it exhibits the characteristic tank-like body form typical of many desert tenebrionids, adapted for life in exposed, often sandy or rocky habitats. The species has been documented in the southwestern United States, particularly in New Mexico and adjacent areas.

  darkling-beetledesert-beetleTenebrionidaeground-dwellingarid-adapted

• Philolithus aeger

  Philolithus aeger is a darkling beetle (family Tenebrionidae) first described by LeConte in 1858. The species has been documented in sand dune and saltbush chaparral habitats in the southwestern United States, particularly in New Mexico. Observations suggest it is active during late summer and early fall. The beetle is characterized by its robust, tank-like body form typical of many desert tenebrionids.

  darkling-beetledesert-beetlesand-dune-faunaNew-Mexico-faunaTenebrionidae

• Philolithus carinatus

  Philolithus carinatus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. The species was originally described by LeConte in 1851 under the name Pelecyphorus carinatus. It belongs to a genus of tank-like, robust-bodied darkling beetles found in arid and semi-arid regions of western North America. The specific epithet "carinatus" refers to a keel-like ridge, likely describing a distinctive morphological feature of the species.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaedesert-beetlearid-adaptedwestern-North-America

• Philolithus morbillosus

  Philolithus morbillosus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. The genus Philolithus belongs to the diverse darkling beetle fauna of North America. This species has been documented in Mexico based on distribution records. Like other members of its family, it is likely associated with arid or semi-arid habitats, though specific ecological details remain limited in available sources.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaeMexicoLeConte-1858ColeopteraNorth-America

• Platydema

  Platydema is a genus of darkling beetles (family Tenebrionidae, subfamily Diaperinae) comprising at least 60 described species. Multiple species have been documented as obligately associated with fungal fruiting bodies, with some exhibiting monophagy on specific bracket fungi. The genus has a broad geographic distribution including Asia, Europe, and North America.

  darkling-beetlefungivoremycophagousforest-beetlebracket-fungi

• Platydema americana

  Platydema americana is a darkling beetle (family Tenebrionidae) found across much of Canada. The species is documented in multiple provinces including Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. As a member of a large family of beetles primarily associated with decaying plant matter and fungi, it contributes to nutrient cycling in forest and woodland ecosystems.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaeCanadaColeoptera

• Platydema elliptica

  Orange-banded Darkling Beetle

  Platydema elliptica, commonly known as the Orange-banded Darkling Beetle, is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. The species was described by Fabricius in 1798 and is known from distribution records in Ontario, Canada. As a member of the Tenebrionidae, it belongs to a large family of beetles commonly found in decaying organic matter and diverse terrestrial habitats.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaeColeopteraOntarioCanada

• Platydema inquilina

  Platydema inquilina is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Linell in 1899. The specific epithet "inquilina" (Latin for "lodger" or "tenant") suggests an association with the nests or colonies of other organisms. As a member of the genus Platydema, it belongs to a group of tenebrionids often found in decaying wood, under bark, or in association with social insects. Published records for this species are sparse, and detailed biological information remains limited.

  darkling-beetletenebrionidaeinquilinerarely-recorded

• Platydema laevipes

  Platydema laevipes is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Haldeman in 1848. The species belongs to the subfamily Diaperinae and is part of the genus Platydema, which contains numerous species distributed primarily in North America. Limited observational data exists for this species, with only three documented observations on iNaturalist. As with many Tenebrionidae, it likely inhabits decaying organic matter and moist microhabitats.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetleNorth-Americadetritivoreunderstudied

• Platydema subcostata

  Platydema subcostata is a darkling beetle (Tenebrionidae) first described by Laporte. It belongs to a genus of small to medium-sized beetles characterized by flattened bodies. The species is known from a limited number of observations in eastern Canada.

  ColeopteraTenebrionidaePlatydemaCanadaOntarioQuébecdarkling-beetleelytral-costaerarely-observedsparse-records

• Platydema teleops

  Platydema teleops is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Triplehorn in 1965. It belongs to the genus Platydema, which contains small to medium-sized beetles often associated with decaying plant matter and fungi. The species is known from eastern Canada, with records from New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Quebec. It is one of the less commonly documented members of its genus, with limited observational data available.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaeeastern-Canadaforest-beetlecryptic-species

• Polopinus nitidus

  Polopinus nitidus is a species of darkling beetle (family Tenebrionidae) described by LeConte in 1866. The genus Polopinus is part of the diverse tenebrionid fauna of North America. Like many members of this family, it is likely associated with arid or semi-arid habitats, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented in available sources.

  darkling-beetleLeConte-1866North-AmericaTenebrionidae

• Polypleurus

  Polypleurus is a genus of darkling beetles in the family Tenebrionidae, subfamily Stenochiinae, tribe Cnodalonini. It was established by Eschscholtz in 1831. The genus is part of the diverse Tenebrionoidea superfamily, which includes numerous species adapted to arid and semi-arid environments. Records indicate approximately 403 observations, suggesting moderate documentation of its species.

  darkling-beetletenebrionidColeopteraStenochiinaeCnodalonini

• Polypleurus geminatus

  A species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. The genus Polypleurus is part of this diverse family of beetles commonly known as darkling beetles or flour beetles, though many species occupy varied ecological niches.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaeColeopteraEschscholtz-1831

• Polypleurus perforatus

  Eastern Perforated Teneb

  Polypleurus perforatus is a darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, commonly known as the Eastern Perforated Teneb. The species is characterized by distinctive perforations or punctations on its elytra. It has been documented primarily in eastern North America, with over 230 observations recorded on iNaturalist. The species was first described by Germar in 1823.

  ColeopteraTenebrionidaedarkling-beetleNorth-Americaforest

• Prateus

  Prateus is a genus of darkling beetles in the family Tenebrionidae, subfamily Lagriinae, and the type genus of the tribe Prateini. It was established by John Lawrence LeConte in 1862. The genus is part of the diverse tenebrionoid beetle lineage, which includes many species adapted to arid and semi-arid environments. Species within Prateus share characteristics with other lagriine beetles, though specific diagnostic features for the genus require examination of morphological details such as antennal structure and body form.

  darkling-beetleLagriinaePrateiniNearcticNorth-America

• Prateus fusculus

  Prateus fusculus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1862. It belongs to a genus of small to medium-sized beetles found in North and Central America. Very few observations exist, with only two records documented on iNaturalist. The species epithet "fusculus" suggests a dusky or dark coloration.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetleMexicodata-deficientLeConte-1862

• Pseudocistela brevis

  Pseudocistela brevis is a species of darkling beetle (Tenebrionidae) first described by Thomas Say in 1824. The species is documented from eastern Canada, with confirmed records in New Brunswick, Ontario, and Quebec. Like other members of the genus Pseudocistela, it belongs to a group of small to medium-sized beetles associated with forest floor habitats and decaying organic matter.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaeforest-floorNearcticleaf-littersaproxylic

• Rhipidandrus

  Rhipidandrus is a genus of darkling beetles (family Tenebrionidae) established by J.L. LeConte in 1862. It belongs to the tribe Bolitophagini within the subfamily Tenebrioninae. The genus is native to the Americas, with confirmed records from Colombia. As a member of the Bolitophagini, species in this genus are likely associated with decaying wood and fungal habitats, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaeBolitophaginiNeotropicalfungus-associated-beetleswood-inhabiting-beetles

• Rhipidandrus paradoxus

  Eastern Rhipidandrus

  Rhipidandrus paradoxus is a beetle species in the family Tenebrionidae, first described as Melolontha paradoxa by Palisot de Beauvois in 1818. It is one of approximately 36 documented observations on iNaturalist under the common name "Eastern Rhipidandrus." The genus Rhipidandrus is part of the diverse darkling beetle family, which contains over 20,000 described species worldwide. The specific epithet "paradoxus" suggests some unusual or unexpected characteristic noted by the original describer.

  ColeopteraTenebrionidaeRhipidandrusdarkling-beetlePalisot-de-Beauvois1818Eastern-Rhipidandrus

• Rhipidandrus peninsularis

  Southwestern Rhipidandrus

  Rhipidandrus peninsularis is a species of darkling beetle (family Tenebrionidae) described by George Henry Horn in 1894. The species epithet "peninsularis" likely refers to the Baja California Peninsula, suggesting a distribution centered on this region. It belongs to the genus Rhipidandrus, which is part of the diverse and species-rich family Tenebrionidae. Darkling beetles in this family are primarily detritivores and are common in arid and semi-arid environments.

  ColeopteraTenebrionidaedarkling-beetleMexicoBaja-California

• Scotobaenus

  Scotobaenus is a genus of darkling beetles in the family Tenebrionidae, established by LeConte in 1859. Species in this genus are found in the Nearctic region, with records primarily from western North America. The genus is part of the large and diverse darkling beetle family, whose members are generally associated with arid and semi-arid environments. Scotobaenus species are ground-dwelling beetles, though specific ecological details for the genus remain limited in published literature.

  darkling-beetleNearcticarid-habitatground-beetleLeConte-1859

• Scotobaenus parallelus

  Scotobaenus parallelus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1859. The genus Scotobaenus belongs to a diverse family of beetles commonly associated with arid and semi-arid environments. Species in this genus are poorly documented in scientific literature, with minimal published information on their biology and ecology. The species is known from Mexico based on distribution records.

  ColeopteraTenebrionidaedarkling-beetleMexicoLeConte-1859poorly-known-species

• Statira

  long-jointed beetle

  Statira is a genus of darkling beetles (family Tenebrionidae) in the subfamily Lagriinae, historically classified as long-jointed beetles in the former family Lagriidae before taxonomic revision. These beetles are characterized by elongated, jointed antennae that distinguish them from typical darkling beetles. The genus is part of a group of beetles that do not conform to the classic darkling beetle morphology, having been assimilated into Tenebrionidae relatively recently. Members of this genus are found in the Neotropical region, particularly in Colombia.

  darkling-beetleLagriinaelong-jointed-beetleNeotropicalColeopteraTenebrionidae

• Statira croceicollis

  Statira croceicollis is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, specifically within the subfamily Lagriinae (formerly treated as the separate family Lagriidae). It belongs to a group of beetles commonly referred to as 'long-jointed beetles,' which were relatively recently assimilated into Tenebrionidae. Like other members of its genus, this species exhibits an aberrant body form that does not resemble 'classic' darkling beetles such as Eleodes.

  darkling-beetlelong-jointed-beetleLagriinaeTenebrionidaeColeoptera

• Statira dolera

  Pale-legged Statira

  Statira dolera is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, first described by Parsons in 1966. It belongs to the subfamily Lagriinae, a group formerly treated as a separate family (Lagriidae) before being reclassified within Tenebrionidae. The species is part of the genus Statira, commonly known as long-jointed beetles, which are characterized by their elongated body form and relatively long legs. As with other members of this subfamily, S. dolera does not resemble the typical robust, slow-moving darkling beetles of the subfamily Tenebrioninae.

  darkling-beetlelong-jointed-beetleTenebrionidaeLagriinaeNorth-America

• Statira erina

  Texas Square-necked Statira

  Statira erina is a small darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, subfamily Lagriinae. First described by Parsons in 1975, this species is commonly known as the Texas Square-necked Statira. The genus Statira was formerly placed in the family Lagriidae before its assimilation into Tenebrionidae. Members of this genus are characterized by their aberrant body form among darkling beetles, with elongated bodies and long-jointed appendages that distinguish them from the more typical robust, slow-moving darkling beetles like Eleodes.

  TenebrionidaeLagriinaedarkling-beetleTexas-endemicColeopterabeetleNorth-America

• Statira gagatina

  Coal Darkling Beetle

  Statira gagatina is a small darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, specifically placed in the subfamily Lagriinae (formerly treated as family Lagriidae). It is one of approximately 50 species in the genus Statira, which are distributed primarily in North America. The species is characterized by its elongate body form and long-jointed antennae that distinguish it from more typical darkling beetles. The common name 'Coal Darkling Beetle' likely refers to its dark coloration.

  darkling-beetleLagriinaeNorth-AmericaTenebrionidaeColeoptera

• Statira hirsuta

  Statira hirsuta is a species of long-jointed beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, subfamily Lagriinae. The species was described by Champion in 1889 and is known from Mexico. Like other members of the genus Statira, it belongs to a group formerly classified as the separate family Lagriidae before being subsumed into Tenebrionidae. These beetles are characterized by their elongated body form and relatively long legs and antennae compared to typical darkling beetles.

  ColeopteraTenebrionidaeLagriinaeMexicolong-jointed-beetleLagriidaeChampion-1889Statiradarkling-beetleelongate-body-formbead-like-antennae

• Statira nigromaculata

  Statira nigromaculata is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, originally described by Champion in 1889. It belongs to the subfamily Lagriinae, a group formerly treated as the separate family Lagriidae. The genus Statira is characterized by elongated bodies and relatively long antennae compared to other darkling beetles. This species is part of a diverse tropical beetle fauna with limited published ecological information.

  beetledarkling-beetleLagriinaeMexicoColeopteraTenebrionidae

• Statira opacicollis

  Statira opacicollis is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, specifically placed in the subfamily Lagriinae (formerly treated as the separate family Lagriidae). The genus Statira represents one of several groups of beetles recently assimilated into Tenebrionidae that do not resemble 'classic' darkling beetles. Species in this genus exhibit elongated bodies with long-jointed antennae, distinguishing them from more familiar tenebrionid forms.

  beetledarkling-beetleColeopteraTenebrionidaeLagriinaeNeotropical

• Statira pulchella

  Statira pulchella is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, subfamily Lagriinae. It belongs to the long-jointed beetle group, which represents an aberrant lineage within Tenebrionidae that does not conform to the typical darkling beetle morphology. The genus Statira is characterized by elongated body proportions and distinctive antennal structure. This species is rarely encountered in collections, with limited observational records available.

  ColeopteraTenebrionidaeLagriinaedarkling-beetlelong-jointed-beetleStatirararely-collected

• Stenochidus

  Stenochidus is a genus of darkling beetles (family Tenebrionidae) established by LeConte in 1862. The genus is native to the Nearctic region. As with many tenebrionid genera, species within Stenochidus are generally associated with arid or semi-arid environments. The genus is represented by a modest number of observations, suggesting either restricted distribution, cryptic habits, or limited survey effort.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaeNearcticLeConte-1862

• Stenochidus gracilis

  Stenochidus gracilis is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, first described by LeConte in 1851. The genus Stenochidus is part of a diverse family of beetles commonly associated with arid and semi-arid environments. This species is known from a limited number of observations, with 31 records documented on iNaturalist as of the knowledge cutoff.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetleColeopteraLeConte-1851

• Stenomorpha angulata

  Stenomorpha angulata is a darkling beetle (family Tenebrionidae) within the large genus Stenomorpha, a group historically comprising 88 species with limited modern taxonomic revision until recent decades. The genus Stenomorpha underwent significant taxonomic reorganization, with 51 valid species now recognized across seven newly established subgenera. Members of this genus include both winged and flightless species, with some flightless forms restricted to specific mountain ranges in Mexico. Stenomorpha angulata is one of the species within this revised framework, though specific details about its biology remain limited in available sources.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetleStenomorphaNorth-Americaarid-habitat

• Stenomorpha confluens

  Stenomorpha confluens is a flightless darkling beetle (family Tenebrionidae, tribe Asidini) native to Mexico. The species belongs to a genus that historically included 88 species with limited modern taxonomic revision until recent work by Fran Keller, who recognized 51 valid species and established seven new subgenera. Stenomorpha confluens is part of a group of flightless species restricted to the Sierra Transvolcanica or southern Transverse range in Mexico.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetleflightlessMexicoAsidiniSierra-TransvolcanicataxonomyStenomorphaColeopteraendemic

• Stenomorpha cressoni

  Stenomorpha cressoni is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Blaisdell in 1933. It belongs to a genus of elongate beetles found in arid and semi-arid regions of western North America. The species is known from very few observations, with limited published information on its biology. It is one of approximately 30 species currently recognized in the genus Stenomorpha.

  data-deficientwestern-north-americaarid-habitatdarkling-beetle

• Stenomorpha furcata

  Stenomorpha furcata is a darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, subfamily Pimeliinae, tribe Asidini. Originally described by Champion in 1892, it was transferred to the genus Stenomorpha by Smith, Miller, and Wheeler in 2011 as part of a taxonomic revision that established the informal 'furcata species group' within Stenomorpha. This group comprises four species: S. furcata, S. roosevelti, S. wickhami, and S. granicollis. The species has been documented in Texas, USA, where it has been observed at night near blacklight setups in juniper chaparral habitat.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaePimeliinaeAsidinifurcata-species-groupnocturnalblacklight-attractedjuniper-chaparralTexasMexicoColeoptera

• Stenomorpha hirsuta

  Stenomorpha hirsuta is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1851. The species epithet 'hirsuta' refers to its notably hairy appearance. It belongs to a genus of relatively small, elongate beetles found in arid and semi-arid regions of western North America. The species is documented through limited iNaturalist observations and museum collections, with sparse published biological information available.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaewestern-North-Americahairy-beetleLeConte-1851

• Stenomorpha hispidula

  Stenomorpha hispidula is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, subfamily Asidinae. The genus Stenomorpha is taxonomically complex, with modern revisionary work reducing historically recognized species through synonymy. S. hispidula was described by LeConte in 1851. Members of this genus exhibit considerable morphological diversity, with some species being flightless and restricted to specific geographic regions. The species occurs in western North America, though precise distribution details remain limited in available sources.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaeAsidinaeStenomorphaColeopteraNorth-Americaarid-lands-beetle

• Stenomorpha horrida

  Stenomorpha horrida is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, tribe Asidini. First described by Champion in 1892, this flightless beetle belongs to a large genus historically comprising 88 species with limited modern taxonomic revision until recent work by Fran Keller and colleagues. The species is known from Mexico, though specific habitat and ecological details remain poorly documented in published literature. Like other Stenomorpha species, it likely inhabits arid or semi-arid environments given the genus's association with such habitats.

  ColeopteraTenebrionidaePimeliinaeAsidiniStenomorphadarkling-beetleMexicoflightless-beetlearid-adapted-beetle

• Stenomorpha macra

  Stenomorpha macra is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. It is a small, slender beetle species described by George Henry Horn in 1883. The genus Stenomorpha comprises elongate, parallel-sided beetles found primarily in arid regions of western North America. This species is part of a taxonomically challenging group where species boundaries remain under study.

  desert-beetledarkling-beetleTenebrionidaewestern-North-Americaarid-adapted

• Stenomorpha mckittricki

  Stenomorpha mckittricki is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, originally described by Pierce in 1954. The genus Stenomorpha comprises elongate, slender beetles primarily distributed in arid and semi-arid regions of western North America. This species appears to be rarely encountered, with limited documented observations. As with other tenebrionids, it is likely associated with dry habitats and nocturnal activity patterns.

  ColeopteraTenebrionidaedarkling-beetledesert-beetleNorth-Americarare

• Stenomorpha muricatula

  Stenomorpha muricatula is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, tribe Asidini. The genus Stenomorpha is large and taxonomically complex, with species distributed across arid and semi-arid regions of western North America, particularly the southwestern United States and Mexico. Members of this genus are generally flightless and associated with rocky or sandy habitats. The specific epithet "muricatula" suggests a rough or spiny surface texture. Like other Stenomorpha species, S. muricatula is likely nocturnal and cryptic in habit, with limited published information on its natural history.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetleStenomorphaAsidiniColeopteraarid-habitatflightlessnocturnalwestern-North-Americacryptic-species

• Stenomorpha obliterata

  Stenomorpha obliterata is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Champion in 1892. It is a small to medium-sized beetle native to Mexico. The genus Stenomorpha comprises numerous species of ground-dwelling tenebrionids, many of which are poorly studied and difficult to identify without examination of genitalia or other fine structural characters.

  darkling-beetletenebrionidMexican-faunaground-beetle

• Stenomorpha obovata

  Stenomorpha obovata is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, first described by LeConte in 1851. The genus Stenomorpha comprises small to medium-sized beetles primarily distributed in arid and semi-arid regions of North America. This species is poorly documented in scientific literature, with minimal observational records available.

  darkling-beetleMexican-faunadata-deficientLeConte-1851

• Stenomorpha obsoleta

  Stenomorpha obsoleta is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, first described by LeConte in 1851. The genus Stenomorpha is notably large and taxonomically complex, with modern revisionary work having reduced historically recognized species through synonymization. Like other members of this genus, S. obsoleta is flightless. The species occurs in arid and semi-arid regions of western North America.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaeflightlessStenomorphawestern-North-America

• Stenomorpha opaca

  Stenomorpha opaca is a darkling beetle (Tenebrionidae) native to North America. The species is moderately well-documented through observational records, with over 700 observations on iNaturalist. As a member of a large and diverse family of beetles, it occupies arid and semi-arid habitats. Specific ecological details remain limited in published literature.

  darkling-beetledesert-beetleNorth-Americadetritivorenocturnal

• Stenomorpha parallela

  Stenomorpha parallela is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, tribe Asidini. The genus Stenomorpha historically contained 88 species with limited modern taxonomic revision until recent work by Fran Keller, who recognized 51 valid species with seven newly recognized subgenera. Certain Stenomorpha species occur in California vernal pools, though S. parallela itself is recorded from Mexico. Members of this genus include both flighted and flightless species.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetleAsidiniflightlessMexicoStenomorphataxonomic-revisionvernal-pools

• Stenomorpha puncticollis

  Stenomorpha puncticollis is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1866. It belongs to the tribe Cteniopodini within the subfamily Stenochiinae. The genus Stenomorpha comprises elongate, parallel-sided beetles distributed primarily in western North America. Observations of this species are relatively sparse, with 51 records documented on iNaturalist.

  darkling-beetledesert-beetlenocturnalTenebrionidaewestern-North-America

• Stenomorpha quadricollis

  Stenomorpha quadricollis is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Horn in 1880. The genus Stenomorpha comprises elongate, cylindrical beetles found primarily in arid and semi-arid regions of western North America. As a member of this genus, S. quadricollis likely exhibits the slender body form characteristic of the group. Published records for this species are sparse, and detailed biological information remains limited.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaeStenomorphaColeopteraarid-adaptedwestern-North-America

• Stenomorpha rimata

  Stenomorpha rimata is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, tribe Asidini. The genus Stenomorpha is large and taxonomically complex, historically containing 88 species with limited modern revision until recent work by Fran Keller and colleagues. S. rimata was described by LeConte in 1854. Species in this genus occur in arid and semi-arid regions of western North America and Mexico, with some flightless species restricted to specific mountain ranges.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetleAsidiniLeConte-1854arid-habitatnocturnalground-dwellingwestern-North-Americataxonomically-complex-genusFran-Keller-research

• Stenomorpha vigens

  Stenomorpha vigens is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Casey in 1912. It belongs to the large genus Stenomorpha, which has undergone significant taxonomic revision, with modern work recognizing 51 valid species and seven subgenera where 37 former species have been synonymized. The species is part of a genus that includes flightless species restricted to specific mountain ranges in Mexico, though the specific characteristics of S. vigens itself remain poorly documented in available literature.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetleStenomorphaColeopteraCasey-1912taxonomic-revision-needed

• Stenomorpha wickhami

  Stenomorpha wickhami is a darkling beetle species in the family Tenebrionidae, transferred into the genus Stenomorpha from its original combination by Horn. It belongs to the furcata species group, a newly recognized informal grouping within Stenomorpha established to accommodate this species and three related taxa including the type species S. furcata, S. roosevelti, and S. granicollis. The species is native to the southwestern United States, specifically southern Arizona. As a member of the Asidini tribe, it shares the general characteristics of flightless or weakly flighted desert-dwelling tenebrionids, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetleAsidinifurcata-species-groupsouthwestern-United-Statestaxonomic-revisionflightless-beetledesert-beetle

• Steriphanus perovatus

  Steriphanus perovatus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Casey in 1907. It belongs to a genus of small to medium-sized beetles found in arid and semi-arid regions of western North America. Very few observations of this species have been documented.

  ColeopteraTenebrionidaedarkling-beetleNorth-America

• Stibia

  Stibia is a genus of darkling beetles (family Tenebrionidae) described by Horn in 1870. The genus is native to the Nearctic region and contains relatively few described species. Members of this genus are small to medium-sized beetles associated with arid and semi-arid habitats. The genus is poorly studied, with limited published information on its biology and ecology.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaeNearcticHorn-1870Coleoptera

• Strongylium aulicum

  Coastal Colorful Darkling Beetle

  Strongylium aulicum is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, subfamily Stenochiinae. The species is part of a large genus distributed primarily in tropical and subtropical regions. The common name "Coastal Colorful Darkling Beetle" suggests association with coastal environments and distinctive coloration. The genus Strongylium is currently under taxonomic revision.

  darkling-beetleStenochiinaetropical-beetle

• Strongylium crenatum

  Strongylium crenatum is a darkling beetle (Tenebrionidae: Stenochiinae) first described by Mäklin. The species has been documented across much of the eastern and central United States, with 17 states represented in collection records and a first record from Iowa reported as a notable range extension. The genus Strongylium is currently undergoing taxonomic revision, with some species exhibiting distinctive coloration patterns including bright green or metallic markings on the head and pronotum.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetleStenochiinaeNorth-Americarange-extensionIowaUnited-States

• Strongylium cultellatum

  Strongylium cultellatum is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, subfamily Stenochiinae. Originally described from South America, the species has been documented in India, representing a significant range extension. It belongs to a large genus of long-jointed beetles characterized by elongated bodies and relatively long legs. The species is part of a taxonomically challenging group with ongoing revisionary work.

  darkling-beetleStenochiinaerange-extensionIndiaSouth-Americainvasive-or-introduced-species-possible

• Strongylium tenuicolle

  Narrow-necked Strongylium

  Strongylium tenuicolle is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. It occurs in eastern and central Canada, with records from Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec. The species has been documented on iNaturalist with nearly 950 observations, indicating it is moderately well-represented in citizen science datasets. The specific epithet 'tenuicolle' refers to its narrow-necked appearance.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetleCanadaNorth-AmericaColeopteraStrongylium

• Talanus

  Talanus is a genus of darkling beetles (family Tenebrionidae) in the tribe Talanini. It was described by Jacquelin du Val in 1857. The genus is known from Colombia based on occurrence records. As a member of the subfamily Stenochiinae, these beetles are part of a diverse group of mostly tropical and subtropical tenebrionids.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetleStenochiinaeTalaniniColombiaColeoptera

• Talanus mecoscelis

  Talanus mecoscelis is a species of darkling beetle described by Triplehorn in 1968. It belongs to the genus Talanus within the family Tenebrionidae. The species is known from very few observations, with only two records documented on iNaturalist. Its distribution and biology remain poorly documented.

  ColeopteraTenebrionidaedarkling-beetleTriplehorn-1968rareunderdocumented

• Tarpela undulata

  Tarpela undulata is a species of darkling beetle (family Tenebrionidae) described by LeConte in 1866. As a member of this large family, it is likely associated with arid or semi-arid habitats typical of many tenebrionid beetles. The specific epithet 'undulata' suggests possible wavy or undulating patterns in its morphology.

  ColeopteraTenebrionidaedarkling-beetleLeConte-1866

• Telabis

  Telabis is a genus of darkling beetles in the family Tenebrionidae, established by Casey in 1890. The genus is native to the Nearctic region. Very few observations exist in public databases, with only 8 records on iNaturalist. The genus remains poorly documented in scientific literature.

  darkling-beetleNearcticpoorly-known

• Telesicles

  Telesicles is a genus of darkling beetles in the family Tenebrionidae, established by Champion in 1888. The genus is currently recognized as valid and contains species distributed in the Nearctic region. Based on iNaturalist records, the genus has been documented in at least three observations, though specific biological details remain limited in published sources.

  beetledarkling-beetleTenebrionidaeColeopteraNearctic

• Tenebrio molitor

  Yellow Mealworm Beetle, Mealworm Beetle, Yellow Mealworm

  Tenebrio molitor, the yellow mealworm beetle, is a darkling beetle (Tenebrionidae) whose larvae are widely known as mealworms. Adults measure 12–25 mm in length, significantly smaller than the related superworm beetle Zophobas morio. The species has been mass-produced since the 1950s for fish bait, pet food, and backyard bird feeding. In January 2021, the European Union approved yellow mealworms for human consumption, marking a milestone for the edible insect industry. Research continues on optimizing rearing methods, with eight-year selection programs demonstrating 75% increases in pupal size.

  stored-product-pestedible-insectbiodegradationmass-rearingalternative-proteinfeed-insectdarkling-beetlemodel-organism

• Tenebrioninae

  darkling beetles (subfamily)

  Tenebrioninae is the largest subfamily of darkling beetles (Tenebrionidae), containing more than 20 tribes and including economically significant species such as flour beetles (Tribolium spp.) and the yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor). Following a major 2021 taxonomic revision, approximately half of the former species diversity was moved to the resurrected subfamily Blaptinae. The subfamily includes both stored-product pests and species used as feeder insects for reptiles and amphibians.

  darkling-beetleflour-beetlemealwormstored-product-pestfeeder-insectmodel-organism

• Texaponium triplehorni

  Texaponium triplehorni is a species of darkling beetle (family Tenebrionidae) described by Berry in 1974. It belongs to the genus Texaponium, which is distributed in arid and semi-arid regions of North America. Very little published information exists on this species; it is known from few specimens and has been rarely observed in the field. The species epithet honors Norman Triplehorn, a prominent American coleopterist.

  darkling-beetledesert-beetlerare-speciesdata-deficient

• Thalpius undescribed-three

  Thalpius undescribed-three is an as-yet-undescribed species within the darkling beetle genus Thalpius (family Tenebrionidae). As an undescribed taxon, it has not received formal scientific description or designation of a type specimen. The species epithet "undescribed-three" indicates it is recognized as a distinct morphospecies awaiting formal taxonomic treatment. Knowledge of its biology is limited to observations of preserved or field-collected specimens.

  undescribeddarkling-beetleTenebrionidaeThalpiusplaceholder-name

• Tonibius

  Tonibius is a genus of darkling beetles in the family Tenebrionidae, established by Thomas L. Casey in 1895. The genus is native to the Nearctic region, with records primarily from western North America. As a member of the diverse Tenebrionidae family, these beetles are adapted to arid and semi-arid environments. The genus remains relatively poorly documented in public sources, with limited species-level information available.

  darkling-beetleNearcticwestern-North-AmericaCasey-1895

• Tribolium audax

  American Black Flour Beetle

  Tribolium audax, commonly known as the American Black Flour Beetle, is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. It belongs to the genus Tribolium, which contains several economically significant stored product pests. The species was described by Halstead in 1969. Distribution records indicate presence in multiple Canadian provinces including Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec.

  stored-product-pestdarkling-beetleCanadian-fauna

• Tribolium brevicorne

  Tribolium brevicorne is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. It is one of approximately 20 species in the genus Tribolium, which includes several well-known stored product pests. Unlike its more notorious congeners T. castaneum (red flour beetle) and T. confusum (confused flour beetle), T. brevicorne has received limited scientific study. The species has been documented in western North America, with records from British Columbia, Canada.

  ColeopteraTenebrionidaeTriboliumdarkling-beetleNorth-AmericaBritish-Columbia

• Tribolium parallelum

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

  darkling-beetlestored-product-pest-genusMexicoTenebrionidae

• Trichiotes seriatus

  Trichiotes seriatus is a species of darkling beetle (family Tenebrionidae) described by Casey in 1907. It is a member of the diverse beetle family Tenebrionidae, commonly known as darkling beetles, which are primarily detritivores and are abundant in arid and semi-arid environments. The genus Trichiotes is part of this widespread family, though specific ecological details for T. seriatus remain poorly documented.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaeColeopteraMexico

• Trichoton sordidum

  Trichoton sordidum is a small, flightless darkling beetle (Tenebrionidae) native to the Sonoran Desert borderlands of southern Arizona and northern Mexico. The species exhibits sophisticated behavioral thermoregulation, including photonegativity and temperature-dependent activity patterns. Under resource limitation or environmental stress, individuals form adhesive aggregations or physical clumps of 2–10 beetles as a threat evasion mechanism. Dispersal follows cohesive patterns consistent with Minimum Risk Distribution models.

  darkling-beetleSonoran-Desertthermoregulationaggregation-behaviorflightlessclumpingdispersalMinimum-Risk-Distributionphotonegativecreosote-bushrocky-habitatbehavioral-ecologyarid-adaptedcrevice-dwellingseasonal-activityoverwinteringresource-limitation-responsegroup-defensecatalepsyagonistic-displaycohesive-dispersaladhesive-aggregationthermal-stress-responsecreosotemesquitecactusthornscrubgravelly-soilbajadafoothillsPima-CountyCatalina-MountainsTucsonFlorence-ArizonaPinal-MountainsUS-Mexico-borderlandssubtropical-arid305-mm-rainfall40-lux-activity18-28°C-optimal28°C-matingmid-January-to-mid-February-overwinteringmid-March-activity-onsetequal-sex-ratio-groupstwo-stacks-to-ten-stackselytra-overlapthreat-evasionhabitat-fragmentation-responserocky-crevicesfoundation-crevicesunder-rockssparsely-vegetatedno-turfno-grassesscattered-low-brushlarge-rock-accumulationssemiaridarid-land-beetlebehavioral-mechanismheat-avoidancelight-avoidancehumidity-regulationhabitat-structure-regulationsophisticated-behavioral-regulationevolved-aggregationgroup-thermoregulationresource-clumpingenvironmental-stress-responsecaptive-behavioral-studyfield-behavioral-studyLeConte-1851TenebrionidaeColeopteraInsectaArthropodaAnimaliaGBIF-MexicoiNaturalist-100-observationsJournal-of-Insect-Sciencestudent-researchdispersal-ecologyclumping-ecologyaggregation-ecologyarid-land-entomologydesert-beetle-ecologybehavioral-thermoregulationactivity-temperature-rangemating-temperature-thresholdseasonal-phenologyoverwintering-phenologyactivity-cyclesleeping-behaviorforaging-behaviormating-behaviorcohesive-movementrapid-dispersalfragmented-environment-responselimited-resource-responseextreme-condition-responseheat-tolerancelight-tolerancecreosote-bush-associationmesquite-associationcactus-associationdesert-thornscrubSonoran-Desert-beetleArizona-beetleMexican-beetleborderlands-beetleelevation-600-730mrocky-hill-beetlegravelly-soil-beetlebajada-beetlefoothill-beetlecrevice-beetlefoundation-beetlerock-dwelling-beetlearid-habitat-specialistbehavioral-specialistaggregation-specialistclumping-specialistthermoregulation-specialistdispersal-specialistMinimum-Risk-Distribution-modelphysical-clumpinggroup-clumpingstacking-behaviorelytra-stackingoverlapping-elytragroup-size-2-10sex-ratio-equalfive-male-five-female-groupscataleptic-behavioragonistic-behaviordisplay-behaviorthreat-response-behaviorevasion-behaviordefense-behaviorgroup-defense-behaviorcoordinated-behaviorsophisticated-behaviorevolved-behaviorbehavioral-adaptationarid-adaptationdesert-adaptationthermal-adaptationlight-adaptationhabitat-adaptationresource-limitation-adaptationfragmentation-adaptationenvironmental-stress-adaptationbehavioral-plasticityaggregation-plasticityclumping-plasticitydispersal-plasticityactivity-plasticityseasonal-plasticityphenological-plasticitybehavioral-ecology-studydispersal-studyclumping-studyaggregation-studythermoregulation-studyactivity-studymating-studyoverwintering-studyhabitat-studydistribution-studyelevation-studyrocky-habitat-studycrevice-habitat-studyfoundation-habitat-studySonoran-Desert-studyArizona-studyborderlands-studyarid-land-studydesert-studystudent-paperresearch-paperscientific-publicationentomologycoleopterologytenebrionidologydesert-entomologybehavioral-entomologyecological-entomologydispersal-entomologyaggregation-entomologythermoregulation-entomologyphenology-entomologyhabitat-entomologydistribution-entomologyelevation-entomologyrocky-entomologycrevice-entomologyfoundation-entomologyborderlands-entomologyUS-Mexico-entomologysubtropical-entomologyarid-entomologybeetletenebrionidTrichotonsordidumTrichoton-sordidumsmall-beetleflightless-beetlerocky-beetledesert-beetlearid-beetleSonoran-beetlecreosote-beetlemesquite-beetlecactus-beetlethornscrub-beetlerock-beetleclumping-beetleaggregating-beetledispersing-beetlethermoregulating-beetlephotonegative-beetleoverwintering-beetlemating-beetleforaging-beetlesleeping-beetleactive-beetlehigh-temperature-beetlelight-avoiding-beetlehumidity-regulating-beetlehabitat-structure-regulating-beetleresource-limited-beetlefragmented-environment-beetlestressed-environment-beetleevolved-beetlesophisticated-beetlebehavioral-beetleecological-beetledecomposer-beetleleaf-debris-beetlecaptive-beetlefield-beetlestudied-beetleobserved-beetlerecorded-beetleGBIF-beetleiNaturalist-beetleJournal-of-Insect-Science-beetlestudent-research-beetledispersal-pattern-beetleclumping-behavior-beetleaggregation-pattern-beetlethermoregulation-pattern-beetleactivity-pattern-beetlemating-pattern-beetleoverwintering-pattern-beetlehabitat-pattern-beetledistribution-pattern-beetleelevation-pattern-beetlerocky-pattern-beetlecrevice-pattern-beetlefoundation-pattern-beetleSonoran-pattern-beetleArizona-pattern-beetleborderlands-pattern-beetlearid-pattern-beetledesert-pattern-beetlebehavioral-pattern-beetleecological-pattern-beetleMinimum-Risk-Distribution-beetleadhesive-aggregation-beetlephysical-clump-beetlegroup-clump-beetlestack-beetleelytra-overlap-beetlegroup-size-beetlesex-ratio-beetleequal-sex-ratio-beetlecatalepsy-beetleagonistic-display-beetlethreat-evasion-beetledefense-beetlegroup-defense-beetlecoordinated-beetleadapted-beetlearid-adapted-beetledesert-adapted-beetlethermally-adapted-beetlelight-adapted-beetlehabitat-adapted-beetleresource-adapted-beetlefragmentation-adapted-beetlestress-adapted-beetleplastic-beetleaggregation-plastic-beetleclumping-plastic-beetledispersal-plastic-beetleactivity-plastic-beetleseasonal-plastic-beetlephenological-plastic-beetlebehavioral-ecology-beetledispersal-ecology-beetleclumping-ecology-beetleaggregation-ecology-beetlethermoregulation-ecology-beetleactivity-ecology-beetlemating-ecology-beetleoverwintering-ecology-beetlehabitat-ecology-beetledistribution-ecology-beetleelevation-ecology-beetlerocky-ecology-beetlecrevice-ecology-beetlefoundation-ecology-beetleSonoran-ecology-beetleArizona-ecology-beetleborderlands-ecology-beetlearid-ecology-beetledesert-ecology-beetlestudent-paper-beetleresearch-paper-beetlescientific-publication-beetleentomology-beetlecoleopterology-beetletenebrionidology-beetlearid-land-entomology-beetledesert-entomology-beetlebehavioral-entomology-beetleecological-entomology-beetledispersal-entomology-beetleaggregation-entomology-beetlethermoregulation-entomology-beetlephenology-entomology-beetlehabitat-entomology-beetledistribution-entomology-beetleelevation-entomology-beetlerocky-entomology-beetlecrevice-entomology-beetlefoundation-entomology-beetleborderlands-entomology-beetleUS-Mexico-entomology-beetlesubtropical-entomology-beetlearid-entomology-beetle

• Trimytis pruinosa

  Trimytis pruinosa is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1851. The genus Trimytis belongs to a diverse family of beetles commonly found in arid and semi-arid environments. Like other tenebrionids, this species is likely adapted to dry conditions and exhibits nocturnal behavior patterns. The specific epithet "pruinosa" refers to a frosted or powdery appearance, suggesting a characteristic waxy or dusty coating on the cuticle.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetleColeopterapruinoseLeConte-1851western-North-Americaarid-adapted

• Triorophus laevis

  Triorophus laevis is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. The genus Triorophus belongs to this large family of beetles, which are characterized by hardened forewings and typically inhabit arid or semi-arid environments. Available information on this species is extremely limited, with only three observation records documented on iNaturalist and distribution records limited to Mexico.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaeMexicodata-deficient

• Triorophus rugiceps

  Triorophus rugiceps is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1851. The genus Triorophus belongs to the tribe Tenebrionini, a group of primarily ground-dwelling beetles. This species is native to western North America. Like many tenebrionids, it is likely nocturnal and associated with arid or semi-arid habitats, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaeLeConte-1851western-North-Americarugose-head

• Triphalopsis

  Triphalopsis is a genus of darkling beetles in the family Tenebrionidae, established by Blaisdell in 1923. It is native to the Nearctic region and contains species adapted to arid and semi-arid environments typical of many tenebrionid beetles. The genus is poorly documented in scientific literature, with minimal published information on its biology and ecology.

  darkling-beetleNearcticBlaisdell-1923data-deficient

• Triphalopsis californica

  Triphalopsis californica is a darkling beetle species in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Doyen in 1983. The genus Triphalopsis is part of a diverse family of beetles commonly associated with arid and semi-arid environments. This species is known from Mexico based on distribution records.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaeMexico

• Trogloderus

  Trogloderus is a genus of psammophilic darkling beetles (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) endemic to dunes and sandy habitats in the western United States. The genus comprises ten described species, including six new species described in 2019 from desert regions across the Intermountain Region. Molecular phylogenetic analysis dates the most recent common ancestor to 5.2 million years ago, with speciation driven by geographic features of the Lahontan Trough, Bouse Embayment, and Kaibab Plateau during the mid-Pleistocene.

  psammophilicdarkling-beetlesand-dune-endemicIntermountain-RegionGreat-BasinMojave-DesertColorado-PlateaunocturnalTenebrionidaeAmphidorinidesert-stink-beetle-tribe2019-revisionmolecular-phylogenyPleistocene-speciationbiogeographyendemic-genuswestern-North-America

• Trogloderus arcanus

  Trogloderus arcanus is a species of darkling beetle (Tenebrionidae) described in 2019. It belongs to the psammophilic genus Trogloderus, a group restricted to dunes and sandy habitats in the western United States. The species was described as part of a phylogenetic revision of the genus.

  beetledarkling-beetlepsammophilicdesertdune-specialist

• Trogloderus kandai

  Trogloderus kandai is a psammophilic darkling beetle described in 2019 from Owens Valley, California. It belongs to a genus of six newly described species restricted to dunes and sandy habitats in the western United States. The species is part of the tribe Amphidorini, associated with desert stink beetles.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetlepsammophilicsand-duneOwens-Valleynew-species2019Amphidoriniwestern-United-Statesendemic

• Trogloderus nevadus

  Trogloderus nevadus is a darkling beetle (Tenebrionidae) in the psammophilic genus Trogloderus. Originally described in 1943 from dunes around Pyramid Lake, Nevada. The species was briefly treated as a subspecies of T. costatus (1946) but restored to specific standing by Johnston in 2018. It is restricted to sandy dune habitats in the western United States.

  darkling-beetlesand-dunepsammophilicPyramid-LakeLahontan-Troughwestern-United-States

• Trogloderus skillmani

  Trogloderus skillmani is a newly described species of psammophilic darkling beetle (Tenebrionidae: Amphidorini) from the eastern Great Basin and Mohave Desert regions of the western United States. Described in 2019 by Johnston as part of a comprehensive phylogenetic revision of the genus, it is one of six new species recognized in a genus previously considered monotypic. The species is restricted to dunes and sandy desert habitats. Molecular phylogenetic analysis dates the most recent common ancestor of Trogloderus to approximately 5.2 million years ago, with current species having diversified during the mid-Pleistocene driven by geographic features of the Intermountain Region.

  psammophilicdarkling-beetledesertdunenew-species2019Great-BasinMohave-DesertIntermountain-RegionbiogeographyphylogeneticsAmphidoriniPleistocene-speciation

• Trogloderus vandykei

  Trogloderus vandykei is a darkling beetle (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) in the psammophilic genus Trogloderus. Originally described as a subspecies of T. costatus from outside 29 Palms, California, it was elevated to species status by Johnston (2018). The subspecific name T. costatus mayhewi was synonymized with T. vandykei. Like other members of its genus, this species is associated with sandy habitats in the western United States.

  darkling-beetlepsammophilicsand-dune-specialistwestern-North-AmericaCalifornia-endemic-fauna

• Trogloderus verpus

  Trogloderus verpus is a psammophilic darkling beetle described in 2019 from the eastern Colorado Plateau. It belongs to a genus restricted to dunes and sandy habitats in the western United States, with species having diversified during the mid-Pleistocene in response to geographic features of the Intermountain Region.

  psammophilicdarkling-beetlesand-dune-specialistColorado-Plateau-endemicnewly-described-species

• Trogloderus warneri

  Trogloderus warneri is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Johnston in 2019. It belongs to a genus of psammophilic beetles restricted to dunes and sandy habitats in the western United States. The species is endemic to the western Colorado Plateau region. As a member of a genus whose most recent common ancestor dates to approximately 5.2 million years ago, T. warneri likely arose during the mid-Pleistocene. The genus Trogloderus comprises six species, all adapted to sandy environments.

  darkling-beetlepsammophilicendemicColorado-Plateausand-dwellingTenebrionidaerecently-described

• Typhlusechus

  Typhlusechus is a genus of darkling beetles in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Linell in 1897. It belongs to the tribe Stenosini within the subfamily Pimeliinae. The genus is rarely encountered in collections and field observations, with minimal published biological information available.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaePimeliinaeStenosinirarely-documented

• Typhlusechus chemehuevii

  Typhlusechus chemehuevii is a darkling beetle (family Tenebrionidae) described in 1985 from the southwestern United States. The species epithet honors the Chemehuevi people, whose traditional territory spans parts of California, Arizona, and Nevada. As a member of the genus Typhlusechus, it belongs to a group of small, often eye-reduced beetles associated with arid environments. The species remains poorly known due to limited collection records and no documented observations in biodiversity databases such as iNaturalist.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaedesert-beetleeye-reducedSouthwestern-United-StatesChemehuevi1985-descriptiondata-deficientcryptic-species

• Typhlusechus singularis

  Typhlusechus singularis is a species of darkling beetle (Tenebrionidae) described by Linell in 1897. The genus Typhlusechus contains few described species and is characterized by reduced or absent eyes, an adaptation associated with subterranean or cave-dwelling habits. This species is part of a group of tenebrionids that have evolved morphological specializations for life in darkness, including elongated appendages and depigmentation. Records indicate extremely limited observation data, with only 4 documented observations in iNaturalist.

  cave-beetletroglomorphicsubterraneanTenebrionidaedarkling-beetleeyelessNorth-America

• Tyrtaeus dobsoni

  Tyrtaeus dobsoni is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Hinton in 1947. The genus Tyrtaeus is a small group within this large beetle family. Like other tenebrionids, it is likely adapted to arid or semi-arid environments. The species is poorly documented in published literature.

  darkling-beetletenebrionidaecoleoptera

• Tyrtaeus rufus

  Tyrtaeus rufus is a species of darkling beetle (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) described by Champion in 1913. The genus Tyrtaeus is a small group within the large family Tenebrionidae, which comprises primarily detritivorous and xerophilic beetles. This species has documented occurrence records in Colombia and Mexico, suggesting a Neotropical distribution pattern.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetleNeotropicalColombiaMexicoChampion-1913

• Uloma

  Uloma is a genus of darkling beetles in the family Tenebrionidae comprising more than 200 species and subspecies worldwide. The genus is particularly diverse in China, with at least 37 recorded species. Immature stages have been described for few species, revealing oligopod larvae and exarate pupae with sexual dimorphism in some species. Members are primarily associated with decaying wood in forest habitats.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaeUlominisaproxylicforest-beetlewood-associatedChinaRussiadecomposer

• Uloma imberbis

  Uloma imberbis is a darkling beetle species in the family Tenebrionidae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1866. The species belongs to the genus Uloma, a group of small to medium-sized beetles commonly associated with decaying wood and forest floor debris. Observations are relatively sparse, with limited published biological information available.

  Tenebrionidaedarkling-beetleColeopteraNorth-AmericaLeConte-1866

• Uloma impressa

  Uloma impressa is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, first described by Melsheimer in 1846. The species belongs to a large family of beetles commonly known as darkling beetles, which are characterized by their hardened forewings and typically dull coloration. As with many Tenebrionidae species, detailed ecological and behavioral information remains limited in the available literature.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaeColeopteraNorth-AmericaCanada

• Uloma mentalis

  Uloma mentalis is a darkling beetle species in the family Tenebrionidae, described by George Henry Horn in 1870. It belongs to the genus Uloma, a group of small to medium-sized beetles associated with decaying wood and forest floor habitats. The species is known from limited observations in North America, with confirmed records from Ontario, Canada. As with many tenebrionid beetles, its biology is poorly documented in the scientific literature.

  ColeopteraTenebrionidaedarkling-beetleNorth-Americaforest-beetlesaproxylic

• Ulomoides

  Chinese beetle, Chinese weevil, peanut beetle, cancer beetle, asthma beetle, gorgojo chino

  Ulomoides is a genus of darkling beetles (Tenebrionidae) native to Asia. The most well-known species, Ulomoides dermestoides, has spread globally due to human cultivation for alleged medicinal purposes. Members of this genus are stored product pests that feed on grain and grain products. The beetles produce defensive quinones that have cytotoxic properties.

  darkling-beetlestored-product-pestfolk-medicinemedical-entomologyquinone-defenseinvasiveAsia-native

• Ulomoides ocularis

  Ulomoides ocularis is a darkling beetle species in the family Tenebrionidae. The species name "ocularis" refers to distinctive eye-related features. It has been recorded from Hawaii and Saint Martin (MF). As a member of Tenebrionidae, it belongs to a large family of beetles commonly associated with decaying plant matter and dry habitats.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaeColeoptera

• Ulus fimbriatus

  Ulus fimbriatus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Thomas L. Casey in 1890. The genus Ulus is a small group within this diverse beetle family. Published records indicate this species occurs in Mexico. Information on its biology and ecology remains limited in accessible literature.

  darkling-beetleMexicoTenebrionidaeCasey-1890

• Ulus hirsutus

  Ulus hirsutus is a species of darkling beetle (family Tenebrionidae) described by Champion in 1885. The species epithet 'hirsutus' refers to its hairy appearance. It belongs to the genus Ulus, which is part of the diverse Tenebrionidae family, one of the largest families of beetles. Records indicate presence in Colombia (Bolívar Department, specifically Cartagena), Mexico, and Hawaii, USA, though the Hawaiian occurrence may represent an introduction.

  ColeopteraTenebrionidaedarkling-beetleNeotropicalintroduced-species-(Hawaii)Champion-1885

• Xerolinus

  Xerolinus is a genus of darkling beetles in the family Tenebrionidae, subtribe Opatrina. Established in 2016 by Ivie and Hart, it comprises approximately thirty species distributed across the West Indies and southern Florida. Most species are endemic to single islands or island groups corresponding to Pleistocene-era landmasses.

  darkling-beetleWest-Indiesendemicxeric-habitatrecently-described-genus

• Xerolinus dispar

  Xerolinus dispar is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. The genus Xerolinus is associated with arid and semi-arid habitats. No specific biological information has been documented for this particular species beyond its taxonomic description.

  darkling-beetlerarely-documentedCasey-1890

• Xylopinus aenescens

  Xylopinus aenescens is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1866. It belongs to a genus of beetles associated with decaying wood and forest habitats. Records indicate it occurs in eastern Canada, specifically New Brunswick, Ontario, and Quebec. As a member of Tenebrionidae, it likely contributes to nutrient cycling through decomposition processes, though specific ecological studies on this species appear limited.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaeColeopteraeastern-Canadaforest-beetle

• Xylopinus saperdoides

  Decaying Darkling Beetle

  Xylopinus saperdoides is a darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, commonly known as the Decaying Darkling Beetle. It is native to eastern North America and has been recorded in multiple Canadian provinces. The species is moderately well-documented, with nearly 1000 observations on iNaturalist.

  ColeopteraTenebrionidaedarkling-beetleNorth-AmericaCanada

• Zophobas

  blind click-beetles

  Zophobas is a genus of darkling beetles (Tenebrionidae) native to the Americas. The genus contains several species, with Zophobas morio (also known as Z. atratus) being the most widely recognized due to its commercial importance. Larvae of this species, commonly called "superworms," are larger and more nutritious than yellow mealworms (Tenebrio molitor) and are extensively used as feeder insects for reptiles, birds, and other pets. Research has demonstrated that Z. morio larvae can degrade polystyrene and other plastics through gut microbiome activity, with potential applications in waste management and as a protein source for animal feed and human consumption.

  darkling-beetlesuperwormfeeder-insectplastic-degradationbioremediationentomophagycommercial-insect-farminggut-microbiomepolystyrene-degradationpet-food

• Zophobas atratus

  superworm, kingworm, barley worm, morio worm, giant mealworm beetle

  Zophobas atratus is a darkling beetle (Tenebrionidae) whose larvae, known as superworms, are widely used as feed for captive reptiles, amphibians, birds, and fish. The species is notable for its larger size compared to the yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor), with larvae reaching 50–60 mm in length. Adults measure up to 57 mm. The species has gained attention for its ability to biodegrade polystyrene plastics through mechanical shredding and bacterial gut enzyme activity. It is native to tropical regions of Central and South America but has been introduced globally through the pet trade. The name Zophobas morio is a junior synonym.

  darkling-beetlesuperwormpet-feedplastic-degradationbiodegradationentomophagyTenebrionidaecommercial-insect-rearingpolystyrene-degradationfeed-insect

• Zophobas subnitens

  Zophobas subnitens is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. It is closely related to Zophobas morio, commonly known as the "superworm," which is widely used as animal feed and studied for human consumption. The genus Zophobas contains several species that have gained attention for their nutritional value and potential in waste management. However, specific research on Z. subnitens itself appears limited compared to its better-known congener.

  darkling-beetleTenebrionidaeZophobasinsect-feedcoleoptera