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