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