Armored Darkling Beetle
Eleodes armata
This record describes Eleodes armata (species). Recorded family: Tenebrionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The gender of Eleodes is feminine ( 4 ) , so adjectivic species names end -is or -a, not -um.
Wikipedia reference for Eleodes armata: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eleodes_armata.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Tenebrionidae (Darkling Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Blaptinae
- Tribe
- Amphidorini
- Genus
- Eleodes (Desert Stink Beetles)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
in CA, warmer, drier regions
Geographic Range
CA-AZ-NV ( Map )
Seasonal Activity
active year round; peak in fall
Diet and Behavior
Life History
nocturnal during summer, active during the day during cooler season
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Eleodes armata LeConte 1851
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Eleodes armata. 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 Armored Darkling Beetle (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Kojun Kanda; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Boris Bueche , v belov , biosam
Frequently Asked Questions About Armored Darkling Beetle
What is Armored Darkling Beetle?
Armored Darkling Beetle (Eleodes armata) is a species in the family Tenebrionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Armored Darkling Beetle?
24-35 mm
Where is Armored Darkling Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | in CA, warmer, drier regions |
| Range | CA-AZ-NV ( Map ) |
When is Armored Darkling Beetle active?
Armored Darkling Beetle: seasonal activity - active year round; peak in fall.
What is the life cycle of a Armored Darkling Beetle?
nocturnal during summer, active during the day during cooler season