Darkling Beetle
ExploreInsects
Darkling Beetle
Tenebrio molitor
Darkling Beetles are often found in dark places like under leaves or logs. They have hard shells that protect them from danger.
Habitat: Forests and gardens
Appearance
The Darkling Beetle is typically dark brown to shiny black, with an elongated, oval-shaped body. Its hard, protective wing covers (elytra) are smooth, sometimes with faint grooves. It has noticeable antennae and six segmented legs, giving it a somewhat flattened appearance.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumBrachiopodaClassInsectaOrderColeopteraFamilyTenebrionidaeGenusTenebrio
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Adult darkling beetles are champion crawlers, preferring walking to using their hidden wings!
Scientists are even studying mealworms to see if they can help recycle plastic waste!
Their babies are famous 'mealworms', often fed to pets like reptiles and birds!
They are super tough and can live in very dry places where other insects struggle!
Special abilities
Ability
Playing Possum Power
Darkling Beetle can play dead by freezing still to trick predators into thinking they aren't worth eating, helping them escape danger.
Ability
Chemical Shield
Darkling Beetle can release a foul-smelling chemical from its rear end to deter attackers, protecting itself from hungry creatures.
Ability
Decomposition Dynamos
Darkling Beetle larvae (mealworms) have powerful jaws that help them break down dead plants, recycling nutrients back into the soil.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 25-35 mm
- Size
- 12-18 mm
- Lifespan
- 90-365 days
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
These beetles and their larvae munch on decaying plants, grains, fungi, and even dead insects.
Age differences: Larvae (mealworms) eat mostly decaying organic matter and grains; adults have similar diets.
Primary Foods
- Decaying leaves
- Rotten wood
- Stored grains
- Fungi
- Vegetable scraps
- Dead insects
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
House Mouse
Mus musculus
A common food source for mice in human environments.
eats
Common Wheat
Triticum aestivum
Feeds on stored wheat grains and flour, sometimes a pantry pest.
Traits
Wildlife
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Decomposer
Describes organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Longevous
This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind.
Glowing
Pertaining to organisms that emit light through bioluminescence or fluorescence.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
Tenebrionid Beetle
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Do not touch or pick up. Some insects sting or bite. Ask an adult for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Darkling Beetle's wingspan?
25-35 mm
How big is Darkling Beetle?
12-18 mm
How long does Darkling Beetle live?
90-365 days
What does Darkling Beetle eat?
These beetles and their larvae munch on decaying plants, grains, fungi, and even dead insects.
Where is Darkling Beetle usually found?
Forests and gardens
How does Darkling Beetle hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Darkling Beetle have?
6
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