The antennae are paler at the tips and are covered in tiny, yellowish hairs. True outbreaks are often uncontrollable and some populations of the beetle have shown resistance to various compounds. When disturbed, the bug elevates the hind part of its body and secretes a foul-smelling oily fluid for protection. [1], Along with Dermestes beetles, species of this genus are used in museums to clean tissues off of carcasses during the preparation of zoological specimens. Click on any image below to visit the species page. In North America, darkling beetles are most diverse and abundant in the west. Test what you know about bugs with this quiz. In dry climates the wing covers (elytra) are fused together to reduce evaporation of water from the body. TENEBRIONOIDEA Latreille, 1802. Darkling beetles eat both fresh and decaying vegetation. The forked fungus beetle (Bolitotherus cornutus) is easily recognized by a pair of blunt hornlike projections on the head. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. [1] A single exposure of a chick to a contaminated beetle can result in bacterial colonization of the bird's gut. So, when someone says Darkling Beetles, they could be referring to over 20,000 specific species, are you with me? The thing to understand is Darkling beetle is a common name for a large family of beetles called Tenebrionidae. ... species Tribolium confusum Jacquelin du Val, 1868 - Confused Flour Beetle. Alphitobius diaperinus is a species of beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, the darkling beetles. Although, the morphology of this taxon seemed to be enigmatic, based on the comparison with Archinamibia Koch, 1952 and Broomium Koch, 1950 this genus was placed within the darkling beetle tribe Tentyriini (Pimeliinae). Topic. It has mid-brown, hairy elytra and jet-black head, thorax and appendages and can be found on low vegetation or at light. Remains of Tribolium have been found in a grain jar in an Egyptian tomb dating back to about 2500 bce. [6] It transmits animal viruses such as rotavirus,[7] the turkey coronavirus, the chicken viruses that cause Marek's disease and infectious bursal disease, and the viruses that cause Newcastle disease, avian influenza,[1] and fowlpox. [2], The adult female beetle lays usually about 200 to 400 eggs, but it has been known to produce up to 2000. So, when someone says Darkling Beetles, they could be referring to over 20,000 specific species, are you with me? [13], This beetle can become a household pest if it ends up near human habitation in old litter to be used as compost. We welcome new contributions - just register and use the Submit Records form to post your photos. [18] As food as well as pet food, the larvae are commonly marketed under the term buffalo worms, more rarely lesser mealworm. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. The larvae are about 25 mm (1 inch) long, cylindrical, and wormlike. They are quite active and mobile and burrow quickly when threatened. (2005)] Darkling beetles are dull black, blueish-black, or rusty brown, depending on the species. With 34 described species or subspecies, Gnaptorina Reitter is the third-most species-rich genus in the darkling beetle subtribe Gnaptorinina (Tenebrionidae: Tenebrioninae). There are over 20,000 different types of darkling beetles and mealworms come from the species Tenebrio molitor. The thing to understand is Darkling beetle is a common name for a large family of beetles called Tenebrionidae. Care & Breeding of the Central American Wood Turtle, Article on the insect burger by German start-up Bugfoundation, For the first time: Foodstuffs containing insect proteins on the market, Danish insect-statup targets holistic nutrition with mineral-dense buffalo worm bar. [9], Like other darkling beetles, this species produces defensive benzoquinone compounds that can be irritating to humans, causing asthma, headaches, rhinitis, conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, and dermatitis with erythema and papules. The adult lesser mealworm beetle is roughly 6 mm long and widely oval in shape. Most species are nocturnal and can be found on the ground, hiding … The larvae are edible insects and also farmed for human consumption by specialized European insect farms, mostly in the Netherlands and Belgium. In addition, the development of an effective polystyrene-decomposing flora using the bacterial strains found in the simple gut flora of P. davidis is highly anticipated. New Species of Darkling Beetle Larvae Degrades Plastic. Darkling Beetles. Share. Nalassus laevioctostriatus (Goeze) is widespread and common on tree bark after dark. Many darkling beetle species are flightless, but Ecnolagria tomentosa is commonly seen flying around in gardens and woodland areas and can be recognised in the air by its particularly slow flight. The larvae of a widely distributed darkling beetle known as the mealworm (Tenebrio) are used as food for such pets as birds and fish. Suborder: Superfamily: The dark adult is 10 to 12 mm (0.4–0.5 inch) long and has wing covers that resemble pieces of bark. Archinamaqua was established by humans bright markings it, and was likely introduced to North America darkling... Likely introduced to North America, darkling beetles all images on this website have been taken in Leicestershire Rutland! Dune systems most damaging to the family Tenebrionidae is estimated at more than 20,000 species stories delivered to! 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