Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Includes the Alleculidae (Comb-clawed Beetles) and Lagriidae (Long-jointed Beetles), often considered at Family rank.
Explanation of Names
Author of family is
Latreille, 1802. From Latin
tenebrio, one (a trickster) who loves darkness, gloom. In turn from Latin
tenebrae, darkness
(1).
Darkling as an adjective means enacted in the dark, or simply dark, dim, commonly used in poetic speech, e.g., darkling hour (Internet searches).
Numbers
Insects of Cedar Creek lists over 1,000 species in North America
University of Florida lists 180 genera, 1,300 species for North America.
Identification
Usually dark, a few colored and/or patterned, sometimes with red. Body shape variable--elongated to more oval, usually flattened. Many large species are flightless and have fused elytra. Characteristics of Tenebrionidae:
first abdominal sternite entire, not divided by hind coxae (characteristic of suborder Polyphaga)--compare Carabidae in the suborder Adephaga, which have that sternite divided
eyes usually notched
antennae variable--thread-like (filiform), bead-like (moniliform), or clubbed
antennae typically with 11 segments, insertion concealed from above
tarsi 5-5-4 (hind tarsi with 4 segments), compare Carabidae, which have a formula of 5-5-5
Larvae are cylindrical and hard-bodied, called "false wireworms" because they resemble larvae of click beetles, Elateridae.
Range
Widespread, but most diverse in the western United States. White
(2) says about 140 species found in east, 1,100 found in west.
Habitat
Typically found under stones, decaying logs, bark. A few species diurnal, found in open. Many species are adapted to desert conditions.
Food
Many are scavengers of plant material as both adults and larvae. Some attracted to carrion, dead insects, dung. Some feed on fungus, often found under bark. Some are pests of stored grain and of insect collections.
Life Cycle
Most larvae live in decaying matter. Many species have chemical defenses.
See Also
Ground Beetles -
Carabidae
Pleasing Fungus Beetles -
ErotylidaePrint References
The Century Dictionary--entries for tenebrio, tenebrionidae
(1)
White,
Field Guide to the Beetles (2)
Dillon,
Manual of Common Beetles..., p. 463
(3)
American Beetles, Vol. 2, Chapter 106
(4) 
