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Dark Mealworm Beetle
Image by USDA-ARS-GMPRC Image Database - License: Public Domain. (view image details)
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Dark Mealworm
Image by USDA-ARS-GMPRC Image Database - License: Public Domain. (view image details)
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DARK MEALWORM FACTS |
Identification
The adult Dark Mealworm is a dull black beetle with flattened shape and parallel sides. It varies in colour from brown to black. The larvae of Dark Mealworms are dark brown. The adult beetle is similar to the related Yellow mealworm beetle (Tenebrio molitar) which has a more glossy appearance, and yellowish brown larvae.
Size
length: adult beetle to 18mm, larvae to 25mm
Habitat
found around damp and mouldy stored plant and animal material
Food
feeds on grain and other stored products. It is a minor pest of cereals and cereal products.
Breeding
The female beetle lays white bean shaped eggs which hatch into mealworms (grub like larvae) after about a week. The larvae feed on plant or animal material before pupating.
Range
Exotic (but present in Australia) found in the eastern states of Australia and also Western Australia
Notes
Dark Mealworm larvae are used as insect food for reptile and amphibian pets and are known as mini mealworms.
Classification
| Class: | Insecta | | Order: | Coleoptera | | Family: | Tenebrionidae | | Genus: | Tenebrio | | Species: | obscurus | | Common Name: | Dark Mealworm |
Relatives in same Genus
Yellow Mealworm (T. molitor)
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