False Mealworm Beetle
Alobates pensylvanicus
This record describes Alobates pensylvanicus (species). Recorded family: Tenebrionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
mentum without a tuft of yellow hair
Identification notes
mentum without a tuft of yellow hair
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Tenebrionidae (Darkling Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Stenochiinae
- Tribe
- Cnodalonini
- Genus
- Alobates
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
under decaying bark
Geographic Range
e.Canada (NS‒MB) to FL‒TX‒CA to Mexico
Seasonal Activity
All year
Diet and Behavior
Diet: adults and larvae prey on insects
Life History
One year
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Alobates pensylvanicus ( De Geer 1775)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Alobates pensylvanicus. 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 False Mealworm Beetle (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by anitagould , Bbarnd , Mike Quinn , Boris Bueche , v belov , Hisserdude
Frequently Asked Questions About False Mealworm Beetle
What is False Mealworm Beetle?
False Mealworm Beetle (Alobates pensylvanicus) is a species in the family Tenebrionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is False Mealworm Beetle?
18‒23 mm (measured specimens =v=)
How do you identify False Mealworm Beetle?
mentum without a tuft of yellow hair
Where is False Mealworm Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | under decaying bark |
| Range | e.Canada (NS‒MB) to FL‒TX‒CA to Mexico |
What does False Mealworm Beetle eat?
The diet of the False Mealworm Beetle includes adults and larvae prey on insects.
When is False Mealworm Beetle active?
False Mealworm Beetle: seasonal activity - All year.
What is the life cycle of a False Mealworm Beetle?
One year