ColeopteraTenebrionidae – Darkling Beetles

Stenomorpha opaca

This record describes Stenomorpha opaca (species). Recorded family: Tenebrionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Stenomorpha opaca - Stenomorpha opaca
Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn

Identification notes

variable species

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Coleoptera (Beetles)
Suborder
Polyphaga
Superfamily
Tenebrionoidea
Family
Tenebrionidae (Darkling Beetles)
Subfamily
Pimeliinae
Tribe
Asidini
Genus
Stenomorpha

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Geographic Range

Rockies, High Plains (s.AB-s.SK-ND to NM-w.TX) - Map

Seasonal Activity

mostly: July-Sept (BG data)

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Stenomorpha opaca (Say 1824)

About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group

Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Stenomorpha opaca. 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.

Explore Coleoptera families and species →

Photos of Stenomorpha opaca (5)

Stenomorpha opaca - photo 1
Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Stenomorpha opaca - photo 2
Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Stenomorpha opaca - photo 3
Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Stenomorpha opaca - photo 4
Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Stenomorpha opaca - photo 5
Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn

Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn

Frequently Asked Questions About Stenomorpha opaca

How do you identify Stenomorpha opaca?

variable species

Where is Stenomorpha opaca found?

Range: Rockies, High Plains (s.AB-s.SK-ND to NM-w.TX) - Map

When is Stenomorpha opaca active?

Stenomorpha opaca: seasonal activity - mostly: July-Sept (BG data).

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.