Darkling-beetle
Guides
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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'.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.