False-wireworm
Guides
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.