Lesser Mealworm
Alphitobius diaperinus
This record describes Alphitobius diaperinus (species). Recorded family: Tenebrionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Tenebrionidae (Darkling Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Tenebrioninae
- Tribe
- Alphitobiini
- Genus
- Alphitobius
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
damp and moldy flour, meal, grain products ; poultry houses (breeds in deep litter and in droppings)
Geographic Range
of tropical (likely, Afrotropical) origin , nearly cosmopolitan ; introduced from Europe before 1910
Diet and Behavior
Diet: damp and moldy flour, meal, grain products ; larvae and adults also feed on dead animals
Life History
Larva (prepupal) on 12.21.2024: Pupa (pupated 12.31.2024) Adult (eclosed 01.19.2025):
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer 1797)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Alphitobius diaperinus. 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 Lesser Mealworm (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Ted Kropiewnicki; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , v belov , dvoribird
Frequently Asked Questions About Lesser Mealworm
How big is Lesser Mealworm?
Adult: 5.8-6.3 mm Pupae measure approx. 7mm, about half the size of Tenebrio molitor (second image, top): Prepupal larval comparison of Alphitobius diaperinus vs. Tenebrio molitor (left):
Where is Lesser Mealworm found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | damp and moldy flour, meal, grain products ; poultry houses (breeds in deep litter and in droppings) |
| Range | of tropical (likely, Afrotropical) origin , nearly cosmopolitan ; introduced from Europe before 1910 |
What does Lesser Mealworm eat?
The diet of the Lesser Mealworm includes damp and moldy flour, meal, grain products ; larvae and adults also feed on dead animals.
What is the life cycle of a Lesser Mealworm?
Larva (prepupal) on 12.21.2024: Pupa (pupated 12.31.2024) Adult (eclosed 01.19.2025):