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