Tenebrionidae Collection

Darkling beetle on ground, where it feeds on plant litter. Sampling empty insect pupal case
ASW-4545 Darkling beetle on ground, where it feeds on plant litter. Grahamstown, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Anomalipus sculpturatus Sampling empty insect pupal case. Alan J. S

Sugar glider (Petaurus breviceps) eats a meal worm (Tenebrio molitor) on a tree at night. Captive, Conservation Ecology Centre, The Otways, Victoria, Australia. Property released

Strandline Beetle (Phaleria cadaverina) adult, amongst feathers of dead Northern Gannet (Morus bassanus) on beach, Perranporth, Cornwall, England, June

Darkling Beetle (Eleodes obscurus) adult, walking on sand, Arches N. P. Utah, U. S. A. May
Darkling Beetle (Eleodes obscurus) adult, walking on sand, Arches N.P. Utah, U.S.A. May

Mealworm Beetle Grub (Tenebrio molitor), close up

Darkling beetle C018 / 3565
Darkling beetle. Close-up photograph of a darkling beetle head (superfamily: Tenebrionidae). This specimen was found in Maryland, USA

Darkling beetle C016 / 2265
Darkling beetle. View of the upper side of a darkling beetle (Scaurus punctatus). Specimen obtained from the University of Valencia, Spain

Darkling beetle C016 / 2268
Darkling beetle. View of the upper side of a darkling beetle (Sepidium aliferum). Specimen obtained from the University of Valencia, Spain

Darkling beetle C016 / 2134
Darkling beetle. View of the upper side of an Erodius emondi darkling beetle. Specimen obtained from the University of Valencia, Spain

Darkling beetle C016 / 2127
Darkling beetle. View of the upper side of a Diaperis boleti darkling beetle. Specimen obtained from the University of Valencia, Spain

Darkling beetle C016 / 2090
Darkling beetle. View of the upper side of a Blaps gigas darkling beetle. Specimen obtained from the University of Valencia, Spain

Darkling beetle C016 / 2076
Darkling beetle. View of the upper side of an Akis acuminata darkling beetle. Specimen obtained from the University of Valencia, Spain

Darkling beetle on a leaf
Darkling beetle. Lagria hirta darkling beetle on a leaf. This species of darkling, or darkening, beetle (family Tenebrionidae) is found across much of Europe, North Africa, and the Near East

Tenebrio sp. mealworm in a sticky lollipop
Specimen held at the Natural History Museum, London

Darkling Beetle (Phaleria cadaverina) adult, under strandline debris on beach, Gower Peninsula, Glamorgan, Wales, august

Sulphur Beetle (Cteniopus sulphureus) adult, on Sea Holly (Eryngium maritimum) flowers, on sand dunes, Gower Peninsula, Glamorgan, Wales, july

Tok-tokkie beetle (Psammodes striatus). This beetle can reach 6.5 centimetres in length. It is named for the tapping noise it makes with its abdomen on the ground

All Professionally Made to Order for Quick Shipping

The mysterious world of Tenebrionidae comes alive in these captivating snapshots. In the depths of Grahamstown, Eastern Cape, South Africa, a darkling beetle gracefully scuttles across the ground, indulging in its favorite meal - plant litter. Nearby, an empty insect pupal case serves as evidence of its metamorphic journey. Under the cover of night, a sugar glider perches on a tree branch with keen eyes fixed upon its prey - a succulent mealworm from the Tenebrio molitor family. This nocturnal feast showcases nature's delicate balance between predator and prey. On a desolate beach lies an intriguing scene; feathers scattered around reveal the presence of death. Amongst them stands Phaleria cadaverina, aptly named Strandline Beetle. It finds solace amidst this morbid beauty while paying homage to the deceased Northern Gannet. In Arches National Park, Utah, USA during May's golden hour glow, Eleodes obscurus emerges from beneath sandy terrain. Its sleek body traverses effortlessly through this arid landscape; an embodiment of resilience and adaptability. A closer look reveals intricate details within Tenebrio molitor's life cycle. As a grub stage mealworm beetle feeds voraciously on organic matter before transforming into its adult form – showcasing nature's remarkable transformational processes. Through various lens captures labeled C018 / 3565 or C016 / 2268 and many more numbers that follow suit - we witness multiple facets of these enigmatic darkling beetles' lives unfold before our eyes: their movements on sand (C016 / 2076), their exploration amidst feathers (C016 / 2127), and their existence within unknown realms (C016 / 2090). Tenebrionidae invites us into their shadowy realm where they thrive amongst diverse landscapes worldwide – reminding us that even in darkness there is beauty, resilience, and the constant cycle of life.