False-darkling-beetle
Guides
Abdera
Abdera is a genus of false darkling beetles (family Melandryidae) established by Stephens in 1832. The genus is found in northern Europe, with confirmed records from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. As a member of the family Melandryidae, Abdera species are associated with decaying wood and fungal habitats. The genus contains multiple species, though specific taxonomic boundaries and species counts require further verification.
Emmesa testacea
Tiled False Darkling Beetle
Emmesa testacea is a species of false darkling beetle in the family Melandryidae. The common name "Tiled False Darkling Beetle" refers to this species, though published natural history information is extremely limited. The species is listed in museum collections but lacks substantial observational or ecological documentation in scientific literature. As a member of Melandryidae, it belongs to a family of beetles typically associated with decaying wood and fungal substrates in forested habitats.
Enchodes sericea
Enchodes sericea is a species of false darkling beetle in the family Melandryidae. It is native to North America, with records from multiple Canadian provinces including Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. The species was described by Haldeman in 1848. As a member of the Melandryidae, it belongs to a family of beetles commonly associated with decaying wood and fungal habitats.
Melandrya striata
Striated False Darkling Beetle
Melandrya striata is a species of false darkling beetle in the family Melandryidae, described by Thomas Say in 1824. It is distributed across much of Canada, with records from Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. The species is part of a family of beetles commonly associated with decaying wood and fungal habitats. As a member of the genus Melandrya, it shares the general ecology of this group, which is adapted to moist, decomposing substrates in forested environments.
Orchesia ovata
Orchesia ovata is a species of false darkling beetle in the family Melandryidae, described by Laliberté in 1967. It belongs to a family of beetles commonly associated with decaying wood and fungal habitats. The species has been documented in eastern Canada, with records from New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, and Quebec. Like other members of its genus, it likely inhabits forested environments where it contributes to the decomposition of woody material.
Osphya varians
Variable False Darkling Beetle
Osphya varians is a species of false darkling beetle in the family Melandryidae. It is known from eastern Canada, specifically Ontario and Québec. The specific epithet "varians" suggests variable characteristics, though detailed documentation of this variability is limited in available sources. Like other members of Melandryidae, it belongs to a family of beetles commonly associated with decaying wood and fungal habitats.
Phloiotrya concolor
Uniform False Darkling Beetle
Phloiotrya concolor is a species of false darkling beetle in the family Melandryidae, first described by LeConte in 1866. The species epithet 'concolor' refers to its uniform coloration. It is one of relatively few species in the genus Phloiotrya, which belongs to a family of beetles commonly associated with decaying wood and fungal habitats.
Phloiotrya riversi
Phloiotrya riversi is a species of beetle in the family Melandryidae, a group commonly known as false darkling beetles. The genus Phloiotrya is part of this small family of beetles, which are typically associated with decaying wood and fungal habitats. No observations of this species have been recorded on iNaturalist, indicating it is likely rare, poorly documented, or has a restricted distribution. The specific epithet "riversi" suggests the species may have been named in honor of a person, though the authority and original description details are not readily available.
Phryganophilus collaris
Collared False Darkling Beetle
A small false darkling beetle in the family Melandryidae, recognized by the distinctive pale pronotal collar that contrasts with its darker body. The species occurs across northern and western North America, with records from boreal and montane regions of Canada. Like other melandryids, it is associated with decaying wood and fungal habitats. The specific epithet and common name both reference the contrasting light-colored band across the pronotum.
Prothalpia holmbergi
Prothalpia holmbergi is a species of false darkling beetle in the family Melandryidae. It is distributed across northern North America, with records from Alaska and British Columbia. The species was described by Mannerheim in 1852.
Rushia californica
California False Darkling Beetle
Rushia californica is a beetle species in the family Melandryidae, commonly known as the California False Darkling Beetle. It was described by Fall in 1907. The species is known from limited observations in western North America.
Scotochroa basalis
Basal False Darkling Beetle
Scotochroa basalis is a species of false darkling beetle in the family Melandryidae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1874. It is known from western and central Canada, with confirmed records in Alberta, British Columbia, and Newfoundland. The species is rarely encountered, with only five observations documented on iNaturalist as of the available data. Like other members of Melandryidae, it likely inhabits forested environments where it develops in decaying wood.
Serropalpus substriatus
Striated False Darkling Beetle
Serropalpus substriatus is a species of false darkling beetle in the family Melandryidae. The species is known from coniferous forest habitats, with documented larval development in giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum). It occurs across much of Canada, with records from Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, and Labrador. The species is rarely encountered, with limited biological data available.
Symphora flavicollis
Red-necked False Darkling Beetle
Symphora flavicollis, commonly known as the Red-necked False Darkling Beetle, is a species of false darkling beetle in the family Melandryidae. The species was described by Haldeman in 1848 and is distinguished by its characteristic yellowish or reddish pronotum that contrasts with the darker body. It belongs to a small genus of beetles that are often associated with decaying wood and fungal habitats.
Symphora rugosa
Symphora rugosa is a species of false darkling beetle in the family Melandryidae, first described by Haldeman in 1848. The species is recorded from eastern Canada, with documented occurrences in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Quebec. As a member of the Melandryidae, it belongs to a family of small to medium-sized beetles commonly associated with decaying wood and fungal habitats. The specific epithet 'rugosa' refers to a wrinkled or rough surface texture, likely describing some aspect of the beetle's cuticle or elytra.