Wooly Darkling Beetle
Eleodes osculans
This record describes Eleodes osculans (species). Recorded family: Tenebrionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Erect reddish-brown hair on elytra (in E. nigropilosa , hair is black, and body smaller, 8-12 mm) Also see E. littoralis .
Wikipedia reference for Eleodes osculans: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eleodes_osculans.
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
Larvae in dry soil and plant litter
Geographic Range
BC-CA-UT ...
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae feed on detritus
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Eleodes osculans (LeConte 1851)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Eleodes osculans. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wooly Darkling Beetle
What is Wooly Darkling Beetle?
Wooly Darkling Beetle (Eleodes osculans) is a species in the family Tenebrionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Wooly Darkling Beetle?
12-16 mm
How do you identify Wooly Darkling Beetle?
Erect reddish-brown hair on elytra (in E. nigropilosa , hair is black, and body smaller, 8-12 mm) Also see E. littoralis .
Where is Wooly Darkling Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Larvae in dry soil and plant litter |
| Range | BC-CA-UT ... |
What does Wooly Darkling Beetle eat?
The diet of the Wooly Darkling Beetle includes Larvae feed on detritus.