Darkling Beetles – Class 25

Darkling beetles are a family of beetles found worldwide. Estimates vary between 12,000 and about 15,000 species. Many of the beetles have black elytra. Darkling beetles eat both fresh and decaying vegetation. Major predators include birds, rodents, and lizards. The larval stages of several species are cultured as feeder insects for captive insectivores, and include the very commonly known mealworms and superworms, and the lesser-known mini mealworms.

Some species live in the dry Namib desert and have evolved modification that help them collect water from the fog that condenses on their elytra.

Raising darkling beetles from larvae through adulthood can be a rewarding biology project for lower school educators.