Tenebrionidae
Guides
Blaptinae
darkling beetles
Blaptinae is a large subfamily of darkling beetles (Tenebrionidae) containing approximately 283 genera and 4,000 species, classified into 8 tribes. The subfamily was resurrected and redefined in 2021 based on morphological and molecular evidence, with seven tribes transferred from Tenebrioninae. Members are among the most widespread and abundant darkling beetles in arid regions globally, often dominating local invertebrate faunas in desert ecosystems. Ovoviviparity has been documented in at least one tribe (Platynotini), where females carry fully developed first-instar larvae.
Bothrotes
Bothrotes is a genus of darkling beetles (family Tenebrionidae) established by Casey in 1907. The genus contains at least two described species: Bothrotes canaliculatus and Bothrotes plumbeus. Members of this genus occur in North America, with observations documented from grassland and woodland habitats in the southwestern United States and Great Plains region.
Bothrotes canaliculatus
Bothrotes canaliculatus is a darkling beetle species in the family Tenebrionidae, originally described by Thomas Say in 1824 as Epitragus canaliculatus. The species has been observed in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Field observations indicate adults are attracted to flowers of Gutierrezia sarothrae (broom snakeweed) in northeastern New Mexico, where they occur alongside other flower-visiting beetles.
Bothrotes plumbeus
Bothrotes plumbeus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. Records indicate it has been collected in the southwestern United States, with observations from locations in New Mexico and surrounding regions. The species is associated with arid and semi-arid habitats, including grasslands and open woodlands. Like other tenebrionids, it is likely nocturnal and ground-dwelling, though specific behavioral details remain limited.
Branchus whiteheadi
Branchus whiteheadi is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Steiner in 1991. It belongs to the genus Branchus, which is part of the speciose family Tenebrionidae within the order Coleoptera. The species is known from extremely limited occurrence records, with only two observations documented on iNaturalist as of the available data.
Capnochroa
comb-clawed beetles
Capnochroa is a genus of comb-clawed beetles established by LeConte in 1862. The genus contains at least two described species: C. fuliginosa and C. senilis. These beetles belong to the family Tenebrionidae, a large and diverse group of darkling beetles. The genus has been documented in the northeastern United States, with records from Vermont.
Centronopus calcaratus
Spurred Darkling Beetle
Centronopus calcaratus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. It is found in North America, with confirmed records from Canada including Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Quebec. The species is commonly known as the Spurred Darkling Beetle.
Centronopus opacus
Centronopus opacus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1859. It is endemic to North America, with records spanning the United States and potentially southern Canada. Like other tenebrionids, it is a ground-dwelling beetle adapted to arid and semi-arid environments. The genus Centronopus is small and poorly studied, with limited published information on the biology and ecology of its constituent species.
Cheirodes
Cheirodes is a genus of darkling beetles (Tenebrionidae) in the tribe Melanimonini. The genus was established by Géné in 1839 and was revived in 1973 when T. J. Spilman synonymized the later name Anemia (Laporte, 1840) with Cheirodes. It contains numerous species distributed across Africa, Europe, Asia, and North America, organized into six recognized subgenera. Many species were originally described under Anemia and later transferred to Cheirodes.
Cheirodes californicus
Cheirodes californicus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, first described by George Henry Horn in 1870. The species epithet indicates its association with California. Like other members of Tenebrionidae, it is a ground-dwelling beetle adapted to arid and semi-arid environments. The genus Cheirodes is part of the diverse darkling beetle fauna of western North America.
Chilometopon microps
Chilometopon microps is a species of darkling beetle (family Tenebrionidae) described in 1990. As a member of this large beetle family, it is adapted to arid or semi-arid environments typical of many tenebrionids. The genus Chilometopon is relatively obscure, with limited published biological information.
ColeopteraTenebrionidaedarkling-beetlebeetleinsectarthropodobscure-specieslittle-known-biologyChilometoponChilometopon-micropsMacLachlan-&-Olson-1990rarely-collectedundocumented-ecologyundocumented-morphologyundocumented-behaviorundocumented-life-historyundocumented-distributionundocumented-habitatdata-deficientGBIF-acceptediNaturalist-documentedCibdelis
Cibdelis is a genus of darkling beetles in the subfamily Stenochiinae, distributed in the Nearctic region. The genus includes at least one well-documented species, Cibdelis blaschkei, which inhabits forested regions of California. Larvae and pupae develop in soft, rotten, dry wood of dead branches on living trees or recently fallen sections. Both life stages possess antipredator defense structures, including urogomphi (pinching organs) on the terminal abdominal segments.
Clamoris americana
Clamoris americana is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. Originally described by Horn in 1874 as Phthora americana, this species is currently accepted under the genus Clamoris. Records indicate occurrence in British Columbia, Canada. As with many Tenebrionidae, specific natural history details for this species remain poorly documented in accessible literature.
Cnemeplatiini
Cnemeplatiini is a tribe of darkling beetles within the subfamily Pimeliinae. The tribe comprises approximately nine genera distributed across multiple biogeographic regions including the Palearctic, Indomalaya, tropical Africa, Australasia, and the Americas. Members are classified in the family Tenebrionidae, a large and diverse group of beetles commonly known as darkling beetles.
Cnemodinus testaceus
Cnemodinus testaceus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. Described by Horn in 1870, this species is among the lesser-documented members of the genus Cnemodinus. The genus belongs to a diverse family of beetles primarily associated with arid and semi-arid environments. Available occurrence data for this species is extremely limited.
Coelocnemis
darkling beetles, broad-necked darkling beetles
Coelocnemis is a genus of darkling beetles in the family Tenebrionidae, containing approximately seven described species distributed across western North America. These large, flightless beetles are primarily associated with coniferous forest habitats, particularly pine and oak-conifer woodlands, where they are active nocturnally. The genus is distinguished from superficially similar darkling beetles by distinctive morphological features, including parallel lines of yellow pubescence on the inner tibial surfaces.
Coelocnemis punctata
Coelocnemis punctata is a darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, one of seven species in the genus Coelocnemis found in western North America and adjacent southern Canada. The genus is characterized by distinct parallel lines of yellow pubescence on the inner surface of the tibiae, a feature used to distinguish it from the superficially similar genus Eleodes. Adults are flightless, with fused elytra that reduce water loss, and are typically associated with pine forests and oak-conifer woodlands rather than desert ecosystems.
Coelocnemis rugulosa
Coelocnemis rugulosa is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Doyen in 1973. It belongs to a genus of seven species found in western North America and adjacent southern Canada. Like other Coelocnemis species, it is a flightless, nocturnal beetle adapted to xeric forest habitats. The genus is distinguished from the superficially similar Eleodes by having distinct parallel lines of yellow pubescence on the inner surface of the tibiae.
Coelocnemis sulcata
Coelocnemis sulcata is a nocturnal tenebrionid beetle found in coniferous woodlands of the southwestern United States. The species has been documented on the trunks of Ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) and Utah juniper (Juniperus osteosperma) at night, where it has been observed in mating pairs. It occurs at moderate to high elevations in southwestern Utah, with records from approximately 6000 feet. Activity peaks in late summer, with observations in September.
Coelus globosus
Globose Dune Beetle
Coelus globosus is a coastal sand-dwelling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, commonly known as the Globose Dune Beetle. It occupies a narrow geographic range along the Pacific coast from northern California to Baja California, with additional populations on most of the Channel Islands. The species is restricted to active coastal dune systems, where it inhabits foredunes and sand hummocks.
Coelus pacificus
Channel Islands Dune Beetle
Coelus pacificus is a darkling beetle (family Tenebrionidae) endemic to the California Channel Islands. It inhabits dune environments across multiple islands, with distinct phylogeographic structure separating northern island populations (Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel, San Nicolas) from southern populations (Santa Catalina, San Clemente). The species is morphologically similar to the mainland congener Coelus ciliatus but represents a valid, independently evolving lineage. Conservation concerns arise from its restricted insular distribution and vulnerability to habitat disturbance.
Conibiosoma elongatum
Conibiosoma elongatum is a species of darkling beetle (family Tenebrionidae) described by Horn in 1870. The genus Conibiosoma contains few species and is poorly documented in the literature. Records indicate limited observational data, with only seven observations documented on iNaturalist. The species epithet "elongatum" suggests an elongated body form relative to congeners.
Conibius
Conibius is a genus of darkling beetles (family Tenebrionidae) established by John Lawrence LeConte in 1851. The genus occurs across the Nearctic, Neotropic, and Oceania biogeographic realms, with 116 iNaturalist observations indicating moderate documentation. As a member of Tenebrionidae, these beetles are characterized by hardened forewings (elytra) and generally cryptic habits. The genus lacks significant economic importance and has received limited dedicated study.
Conibius gagates
Conibius gagates is a darkling beetle species in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Horn in 1870. It is native to Mexico and belongs to a genus of small to medium-sized beetles typically associated with arid and semi-arid environments. The specific epithet "gagates" derives from Latin, meaning "jet-black" or referring to lignite coal, suggesting a dark coloration. As with many tenebrionid beetles, it likely occupies ground-dwelling ecological niches in dry habitats.
Conibius opacus
Conibius opacus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1866. The species is known from Mexico and belongs to a genus of tenebrionid beetles. As with many darkling beetles, specific details about its biology and ecology remain poorly documented in the available literature.
Conibius rotundicollis
Conibius rotundicollis is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Linell in 1899. The species name refers to its rounded pronotum. It is native to Mexico and belongs to a genus of small to medium-sized tenebrionid beetles.
Conibius seriatus
Conibius seriatus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1851. The species is recorded from Mexico, though detailed biological information remains sparse. It belongs to a genus within a family characterized by drought-adapted beetles often found in arid and semi-arid environments.
Conibius uniformis
A darkling beetle species described by Casey in 1890. The specific epithet 'uniformis' refers to the species' uniform coloration. It is one of several species in the genus Conibius, a group of small to medium-sized tenebrionid beetles found in arid and semi-arid regions of North America. The species is documented from Mexico based on collection records.
Coniontis lata
Coniontis lata is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1866. The genus Coniontis comprises elongate, somewhat flattened beetles found in western North America. Members of this genus are characterized by their parallel-sided body form and relatively smooth elytra. Like other tenebrionids, they are primarily nocturnal and associated with arid or semi-arid environments.
Conisattus
Conisattus is a genus of darkling beetles (family Tenebrionidae) described by Casey in 1895. The genus is poorly documented, with minimal published information on its biology and morphology. It appears to be restricted to the Nearctic region. The genus contains few known species and has received limited taxonomic study.
Conoecus
Conoecus is a genus of darkling beetles (family Tenebrionidae) described by Horn in 1885. The genus is native to the Nearctic region, though it is rarely encountered with very few documented observations. As a tenebrionid genus, its members are likely adapted to arid or semi-arid environments, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Conoecus ovipennis
Conoecus ovipennis is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. The genus Conoecus is part of a diverse family of beetles commonly known as darkling beetles or flour beetles, though many species are associated with decaying wood and forest habitats. Very little specific biological information has been published for this particular species.
Corticeus opaculus
Corticeus opaculus is a species of darkling beetle (family Tenebrionidae) described by LeConte in 1878. The species is known from Mexico. Members of the genus Corticeus are typically small to medium-sized beetles associated with bark and decaying wood habitats.
Corticeus tenuis
Corticeus tenuis is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by LeConte in 1878. It is a small, slender beetle distributed across southern Canada from Alberta to Nova Scotia. Like other members of the genus Corticeus, it is associated with bark habitats. Specific biological details regarding its ecology and behavior remain poorly documented in published literature.
Cryptadius inflatus
Cryptadius inflatus is a species of darkling beetle (Tenebrionidae) in the genus Cryptadius. 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 arid and semi-arid environments, though specific ecological details for this species remain undocumented.
Crypticini
Crypticini is a tribe of darkling beetles within the subfamily Diaperinae, family Tenebrionidae. The tribe was established by Brullé in 1832 and contains multiple genera distributed across various regions. Members are small to medium-sized beetles often associated with decaying organic matter and moist microhabitats. The tribe is taxonomically stable and widely recorded in beetle fauna surveys.
Cryptoglossa infausta
Cryptoglossa infausta is a darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1854. The genus Cryptoglossa is a small, distinctive group within the tribe Cryptoglossini, characterized by modified mouthpart structures. This species occurs in Mexico and is part of a genus associated with arid and semi-arid environments. Observations suggest it is active in warmer months, though detailed ecological studies are limited.
Cybotus
Cybotus is a genus of darkling beetles in the family Tenebrionidae, established by Casey in 1890. It is a small genus with limited documented species, occurring in the Neotropical region. The genus belongs to the speciose family Tenebrionidae, which contains over 20,000 species of primarily detritivorous beetles. Information on Cybotus remains sparse in published literature.
Cybotus estriatus
Cybotus estriatus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, first described by LeConte in 1878. The genus Cybotus is small and poorly documented, with limited published information on its biology. The species is known from Mexico based on collection records. Few observations exist, suggesting it may be uncommon, cryptic, or restricted to specific habitats.
Cynaeus depressus
Cynaeus depressus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, first described by Horn in 1870. The species is characterized by its dorsoventrally flattened body form, an adaptation that distinguishes it within the genus. Distribution records indicate presence in Mexico, Norway, and Sweden, though the species appears to be rare or poorly collected based on limited observation data. The specific epithet "depressus" refers to this flattened body morphology.
Diaperinae
Diaperinae is a subfamily of darkling beetles (Tenebrionidae) comprising more than 120 genera organized into 11 tribes. The subfamily exhibits considerable ecological diversity, including fungivorous species that inhabit fruiting bodies of bracket fungi, myrmecophilous species that live commensally within ant nests, and free-living forms. Some species display specialized adaptations such as reduced eyes for subterranean life, compact rounded body shapes for physical defense against ants, and cuticular hydrocarbon mimicry of host ant recognition signals.
Diaperis californica
Diaperis californica is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Blaisdell in 1929. It belongs to the genus Diaperis, a small group of beetles characterized by their distinctive body shape and coloration patterns. The species is known from California, as indicated by its specific epithet. Like other members of its family, it is likely associated with decaying organic matter and fungal resources, though specific biological details remain poorly documented.
Diaperis rufipes
Diaperis rufipes is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Horn in 1870. It is native to Mexico and belongs to a genus characterized by distinctive body forms. The species epithet 'rufipes' refers to reddish legs, a trait that distinguishes it from congeners. Like other members of Tenebrionidae, it is likely associated with decaying wood or fungal habitats, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Dioedus punctatus
Dioedus punctatus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by LeConte in 1862. It belongs to a genus of small to medium-sized beetles found primarily in North America. Like other members of Tenebrionidae, it is likely associated with decaying plant matter and soil habitats. The specific epithet 'punctatus' refers to punctation or spotting, suggesting distinctive surface markings on the elytra or pronotum.
Doliodesmus
Doliodesmus is a genus of darkling beetles (family Tenebrionidae) described by Spilman in 1967. The genus is native to the Nearctic region and is represented by a small number of species. Very little has been published on its biology or ecology. Records indicate extremely limited observational data, with only two documented observations on iNaturalist.
Edrotes arens
A small darkling beetle (Tenebrionidae) in the genus Edrotes, described by La Rivers in 1947. The genus is associated with sandy habitats in western North America. One verified observation from Colorado in 2017 represents a notable range extension, as the genus had no previous records in that state. The species name 'arens' suggests a connection to sandy or arid environments (from Latin 'arena', sand).
Edrotes rotundus
Edrotes rotundus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. It is native to North America and has been documented in the southwestern United States and Mexico. The genus Edrotes is characterized by small, rounded body forms adapted to arid environments. Records from Colorado represent range extensions beyond the species' previously documented distribution.
Eleates depressus
Conk-loving Darkling Beetle
Eleates depressus is a small darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, commonly known as the Conk-loving Darkling Beetle. The species has been recorded from multiple Canadian provinces including British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Northwest Territories, and Ontario. It is associated with conks (bracket fungi) on trees, where adults are found. The species was originally described by Randall in 1838.
Eleates occidentalis
Eleates occidentalis is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Casey in 1886. The genus Eleates belongs to a diverse family of beetles commonly found in arid and semi-arid environments. As a member of Tenebrionidae, this species likely exhibits adaptations to dry conditions typical of the group.
Eleodes
pinacate beetles, desert stink beetles
Eleodes is the largest genus of darkling beetles in North America, comprising approximately 200 species. These beetles are endemic to western North America, ranging from southern Canada to central Mexico, with some species introduced to Colombia. Commonly known as pinacate beetles or desert stink beetles, they are flightless due to fused elytra and vestigial hindwings. All species possess chemical defense glands that produce quinone compounds, and many exhibit distinctive head-standing behavior when threatened. The genus shows remarkable ecological diversity, with species occupying deserts, forests, grasslands, and caves.