Tenebrionidae
Guides
Oenopion zopheroides
Oenopion zopheroides is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, first described by Horn in 1874. The species is endemic to Mexico and belongs to a genus of relatively obscure beetles with limited published documentation. Available records indicate it is a rarely collected species with few observations in natural history databases.
Onychomira
Onychomira is a genus of darkling beetles in the family Tenebrionidae, established by Campbell in 1984. It is a small genus with limited documented species, restricted to the Nearctic region. Members are ground-dwelling beetles associated with arid and semi-arid environments typical of many tenebrionids.
Onychomira floridensis
Onychomira floridensis is a darkling beetle (family Tenebrionidae) described by Campbell in 1984. The genus Onychomira is part of the speciose family Tenebrionidae, commonly known as darkling beetles, which are primarily detritivores and are abundant in arid and semi-arid environments. No specific ecological or behavioral studies have been published for this species.
Opatrina
Opatrina is a subtribe of darkling beetles (family Tenebrionidae) established by Brullé in 1832. It belongs to the tribe Opatrini within the subfamily Blaptinae. The subtribe contains multiple genera distributed in Southern Africa, including Helibatus (with two known species: H. morio and H. banaszkiewiczae) and Planostibes. Members of this subtribe are characterized by morphological features of the metaventrum used in species-level identification.
Opatrini
darkling beetles
Opatrini is a tribe of darkling beetles (Tenebrionidae) comprising approximately 281 genera and about 4,000 species, representing one of the most species-rich lineages within the family. The tribe was historically placed in subfamily Tenebrioninae but was transferred to the resurrected subfamily Blaptinae in 2021 based on phylogenetic analyses. The fossil genus Eupachypterus from Eocene Oise amber demonstrates that Opatrini-like morphology has persisted for over 50 million years. The tribe includes several subtribes, with molecular studies supporting the monophyly of Blapstinina and revealing complex relationships among geographically distributed genera.
Oploptera simplicicolle
Oploptera simplicicolle is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. The genus Oploptera contains multiple described species, though published information on this particular species remains limited. It is known from a small number of observations, primarily in southern Africa.
Palorus
Palorus is a genus of darkling beetles in the family Tenebrionidae, established by Mulsant in 1854. The genus contains at least four described species, including several recognized as pests of stored grain products. Species such as Palorus ratzeburgi (small-eyed flour beetle) and P. subdepressus (depressed flour beetle) are economically significant stored product pests. The genus belongs to the tribe Palorini within the subfamily Tenebrioninae.
Palorus subdepressus
Depressed Flour Beetle
Palorus subdepressus, commonly known as the depressed flour beetle, is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. The species has been recorded in Europe and North America, with additional distribution records from the Azores (Terceira) and Austria. It belongs to a genus associated with stored products and dry organic matter.
Paratenetus exutus
Paratenetus exutus is a species of darkling beetle (family Tenebrionidae) described in 2014. The genus Paratenetus belongs to a group of tenebrionids associated with arid and semi-arid environments. This species is known from a small number of observations, reflecting either genuine rarity or limited survey effort in its range.
Paratenetus fuscus
Brownish Darkling Beetle
Paratenetus fuscus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. The species was described by LeConte in 1850. Records indicate a distribution across multiple Canadian provinces from British Columbia to Ontario, including northern territories. As a member of the Tenebrionidae family, it shares the general characteristics of darkling beetles, including a hardened exoskeleton and typically cryptic coloration.
Paratenetus texanus
Paratenetus texanus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described in 2014. The genus Paratenetus was established relatively recently, and this species is one of its members. As a tenebrionid beetle, it belongs to a large family of primarily detritivorous beetles commonly found in arid and semi-arid environments. Very little specific biological information has been published about this particular species.
Pechalius
Pechalius is a genus of darkling beetles (family Tenebrionidae) established by Casey in 1907. The genus is distributed in the Nearctic and Neotropical regions. It is represented by a small number of observations and poorly documented in the literature. Species-level taxonomy remains incompletely resolved.
Pedinini
Pedinini is a tribe of darkling beetles (family Tenebrionidae) comprising approximately 19 genera. Molecular evidence from Kamiński et al. (2021) supports a revised concept recognizing three subtribes: Helopinina, Leichenina, and Pedinina. The tribe has a predominantly Afrotropical distribution, with genera occurring in Southern Africa, East Africa, and Madagascar. Taxonomic revisions have been published for multiple genera including Anaxius, Tragardhus, Quadrideres, and Anchophthalmops.
Pelecyphorus
Pelecyphorus is a genus of darkling beetles (family Tenebrionidae). The genus has been assigned to different families in historical literature, with Catalogue of Life listing it as a synonym within Staphylinidae (rove beetles) under the genus Euryporus, while GBIF and NCBI recognize it as a valid genus in Tenebrionidae. The genus occurs in the Nearctic region, with 270 observations recorded on iNaturalist.
Pelecyphorus contortus
Pelecyphorus contortus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1853 from the southwestern United States. The species was originally described under the genus Microschatia before transfer to Pelecyphorus. Records indicate it occurs in arid regions, consistent with the desert-adapted ecology typical of many tenebrionid beetles. The genus Pelecyphorus is characterized by compact body forms and cryptic coloration suited to xeric environments.
Pelecyphorus regularis
Pelecyphorus regularis is a species of darkling beetle (family Tenebrionidae) described by Horn in 1870. It belongs to a genus of small to medium-sized tenebrionids found in North America. The species has been recorded from Mexico based on distribution data, though detailed biological information remains limited. As with many tenebrionid beetles, it likely inhabits arid or semi-arid environments, though specific habitat associations have not been documented.
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.
Phaleriini
Phaleriini is a tribe of darkling beetles within the family Tenebrionidae, subfamily Diaperinae. The tribe contains at least two genera—Phaleria and Phaleromela—with approximately six described species. Members of this tribe are classified in the superfamily Tenebrionoidea and are part of the diverse assemblage of tenebrionid beetles found across various habitats.
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.
Phegoneus
Phegoneus is a genus of darkling beetles (family Tenebrionidae) described by Casey in 1907. The genus is distributed in the Nearctic and Neotropical regions, with very few observations documented in biodiversity databases. As a member of the speciose family Tenebrionidae, species in this genus likely exhibit the hardened forewings (elytra) and general body plan characteristic of the family. The genus remains poorly known, with limited published information on its biology and ecology.
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.
Plagiostira albonotata
white-marked shieldback
Plagiostira albonotata, commonly known as the white-marked shieldback, is a species of shield-backed katydid in the family Tettigoniidae. It is a large, robust katydid found in arid regions of the southwestern United States. The species is characterized by distinctive white markings on its body. Observations indicate activity during summer months in desert and semi-desert habitats.
shield-backed-katydidOrthopteraTettigoniidaedesertsouthwestern-United-Statesnocturnalbrachypterouskatydidinsectarid-habitatyucca-associationsummer-activitywhite-markingslarge-body-sizePlagiostiriniTettigoniinaeNew-MexicoArizonaUtahwest-Texassand-dunesdesert-scrubcrepuscularlimited-flightScudder-1876Plagiostira-albonotatawhite-marked-shieldbackEnsiferaTettigoniideaTettigonioideaHexapodaArthropodaInsectaAnimaliaEukaryotaMetazoagrasshoppers,-crickets-&-katydidsPlagiostira28-observationsiNaturalistGBIFCatalogue-of-LifeNCBI-TaxonomyWikipediaBeetles-In-The-Bush2018-New-Mexico/Texas-Insect-Collecting-TripTed-C.-MacRaeJeff-HuetherJune-2–9,-2018southeastern-New-MexicoMescalero-Sand-DunesKermit,-TexasHwy-380San-AntonioBinghamSandia-MountainsWalking-Sands-Rest-AreaValley-of-Fire-National-Recreation-AreaSierra-Blanca-MountainsSunset,-New-MexicoHobbs,-New-MexicoKermit-Sand-DunesI-10-Rest-AreaFabens,-TexasCarlsbad,-New-MexicoLoco-Hills,-New-MexicoCarrizozo,-New-MexicoBingham,-New-MexicoSocorro,-New-MexicoThe-BoxyuccaProsopis-glandulosamesquiteOpuntia-imbricatachollaJuniperus-monospermajuniperSapindus-drummondiisoapberryAcacia-greggiicatclaw-acaciaAcacia-rigidablack-acaciaThelespermaDaleaPenstemonRobiniaCeltisGaillardiaOenetheraBaccharisSphaeralceaEphedraCacamacactus-dodger-cicadaTragidion-armatumPrionus-arenariusPrionus-palparisPrionus-integerPolyphyllaMoneilemacactus-beetleGyascutusAcmaeoderaChrysobothrisAgrilusEnoclerusActenodesParatyndarisAcmaeoderopsisBrachysNeoclytusCleridaeCerambycidaeBuprestidaeScarabaeidaeCarabidaeTenebrionidaeMeloidaeCoreidaePompilidaetarantula-hawkCicindelidaeCylindera-lemniscatatiger-beetleLycaenidaeBrephidium-exiliswestern-pygmy-blueEchinargus-isolaReakirt's-blueshieldbackdesert-insectnocturnal-insectbrachypterous-insectsummer-insectarid-land-insectyucca-associated-insectNew-Mexico-insectArizona-insectUtah-insectTexas-insectsouthwestern-US-insectNorth-American-insectNearctic-insectTettigoniidae-insectOrthoptera-insectEnsifera-insectTettigoniinae-insectPlagiostirini-insectPlagiostira-insectP.-albonotatawhite-marked-shieldback-katydidgiant-katydidlarge-katydiddesert-katydidsand-dune-katydidyucca-katydidnocturnal-katydidbrachypterous-katydidsummer-katydidScudder's-katydid1876-katydidOrthopterankatydid-speciesshieldback-speciesTettigoniidae-speciesPlagiostira-speciesdesert-speciesarid-speciesnocturnal-speciesbrachypterous-speciessummer-speciesNew-Mexico-speciesArizona-speciesUtah-speciesTexas-speciessouthwestern-US-speciesNorth-American-speciesNearctic-speciesPlatydema 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.
Platynotini
Platynotini is a tribe of darkling beetles within the family Tenebrionidae, containing more than 70 genera distributed across multiple biogeographic regions including North and South America, the southern Palaearctic, the Afrotropical region, and the Indomalayan realm. The tribe is distinguished from other Blaptinae tribes by the presence of a stridulatory gula used for sound production. Recent molecular phylogenetic studies have strongly supported the monophyly of Platynotini. Members of this tribe exhibit considerable morphological diversity, with some African species such as Anomalipus being heavily built and armored, adapted to dense bush-covered savanna habitats.
Poecilocrypticus
Poecilocrypticus is a genus of darkling beetles (family Tenebrionidae) described by Gebien in 1928. The genus is distributed across the Nearctic and Neotropical realms. As with many tenebrionid genera, species-level diversity and natural history remain incompletely documented. The genus belongs to a large family of beetles predominantly associated with arid and semi-arid environments.
Poecilocrypticus formicophilus
Adventive Ant-loving Teneb
Poecilocrypticus formicophilus is a small tenebrionid beetle native to Europe, where it has been recorded in Belgium. The species has been introduced to North America and is now established across the conterminous United States. Its common name reflects its association with ant colonies, a relationship characteristic of the genus. The species is frequently documented on iNaturalist, suggesting it is readily encountered by observers.
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 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 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.
Rhypasma
Rhypasma is a genus of darkling beetles (family Tenebrionidae) established by Francis Pascoe in 1862. The genus occurs in the Neotropical region. As a member of the speciose family Tenebrionidae, species in this genus are likely ground-dwelling or associated with decaying organic matter, though specific natural history details remain poorly documented.
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.