Dark Mealworm
Tenebrio obscurus
This record describes Tenebrio obscurus (species). Recorded family: Tenebrionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
dorsum dull (unlike in T. molitor ), front legs enlarged in males storage pest
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Tenebrionidae (Darkling Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Tenebrioninae
- Tribe
- Tenebrionini
- Genus
- Tenebrio (Mealworm beetles)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
In Canada most commonly reported in the litter of chicken coops, birdhouses, stables
Geographic Range
scattered US records most of the temperate regions worldwide ; introduced to NA ca. 1860
Diet and Behavior
Diet: materials of animal and vegetable origin : refuse grain, coarse cereal, mill products, meat scraps, dead insects, and feathers
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Tenebrio obscurus Fabricius 1792 the common name refers to the darker colour of larvae compared to those of T. molitor
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Tenebrio obscurus. 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 Dark Mealworm (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Boris Büche; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Dark Mealworm
What is Dark Mealworm?
Dark Mealworm (Tenebrio obscurus) is a species in the family Tenebrionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Dark Mealworm?
14-17 mm
How do you identify Dark Mealworm?
dorsum dull (unlike in T. molitor ), front legs enlarged in males
Where is Dark Mealworm found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | In Canada most commonly reported in the litter of chicken coops, birdhouses, stables |
| Range | scattered US records most of the temperate regions worldwide ; introduced to NA ca. 1860 |
What does Dark Mealworm eat?
The diet of the Dark Mealworm includes materials of animal and vegetable origin : refuse grain, coarse cereal, mill products, meat scraps, dead insects, and feathers.