Darkling Beetle

beetles · insects · worldwide

Super common bugs. There are more than 20,000 different kinds of darkling beetles living all over the world. You might find them hiding under rocks, logs, or in dark corners of your garage or shed.

Dark and sneaky. Most darkling beetles are black or dark brown, which helps them hide in dark places where they spend a lot of time. Their dark color is how they got their spooky name.

Built tough. These beetles have hard, bumpy shells that protect them from predators and help them survive in harsh conditions. Some can even survive with very little water.

Farmers sometimes worry. Many darkling beetles eat stored grains and dried foods, so they can become pests in warehouses or pantries if there are lots of them. But most species are harmless and just live their lives outside.

Useful for science. One type of darkling beetle called the mealworm is often raised by scientists to study how insects grow and develop. Some people even raise them as pet food for reptiles.