Yellow Mealworm Beetle
Tenebrio molitor
This record describes Tenebrio molitor (species). Recorded family: Tenebrionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
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Terms from the source record, grouped for readability. Broad terms such as size or location are not measurements or a confirmed range.
Wikipedia reference for Tenebrio molitor: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mealworm.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Tenebrionidae (Darkling Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Tenebrioninae
- Tribe
- Tenebrionini
- Genus
- Tenebrio (Mealworm beetles)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Often found around houses where it is attracted to lights.
Seasonal Activity
May to September.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae are the familiar mealworms that are fed to birds.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and previously fairly frequent in England, but possibly declining.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Tenebrio molitor. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Yellow Mealworm Beetle (7)
Frequently Asked Questions About Yellow Mealworm Beetle
How big is Yellow Mealworm Beetle?
12mm to 40mm (0.47" to 1.57")
Where is Yellow Mealworm Beetle found?
Habitat: Often found around houses where it is attracted to lights.
When is Yellow Mealworm Beetle active?
Yellow Mealworm Beetle: seasonal activity - May to September..
What is the life cycle of a Yellow Mealworm Beetle?
The larvae are the familiar mealworms that are fed to birds.