Darkling Ground Beetle
Eleodes
species
Description
Darkling Ground Beetles are members
of the family Tenebrionidae. Darkling beetles are slow-moving, small
to medium-sized insects, 1/16-1 3/8" (2-35 mm) long. Most are dull
brown or black with heavily striated or warty elytra. Their antennae
are often clubbed, Fore and middle tarsi have 5 segments, while the
hind tarsi have 4. The larvae resemble click beetle larvae but do
not have a conspicuous upper lip. Most adults and larvae are
nocturnal and scavenge on rotting wood. Some species attack stored
foods, rugs, clothing, skins, insect collections, and dried plants.
Others live in termite and ant nests, and some are seen in desert
areas. There are over 1,400 species in North America, most of which
are in the West.
