Darkling-beetle
Guides
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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-documentedChilometopon 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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.