About Tenebrio obscurus Fabricius, 1792
Tenebrio obscurus, commonly called the dark mealworm beetle, is a species of darkling beetle. Its larvae are known as mini mealworms, and this species should not be confused with younger larvae of Tenebrio molitor (common mealworm) or the confused flour beetle Tribolium confusum.
Tenebrio obscurus larvae look like very small common mealworms. They have a cylindrical body; they are white when newly hatched and darken as they mature. Mature larvae reach a length of 25 to 30 millimetres (0.98 to 1.18 inches). After the larval stage, individuals enter the pupal stage before emerging as adult beetles. Adult dark mealworm beetles are small black beetles that measure 12 to 18 millimetres (0.47 to 0.71 inches) long.
Adults are similar in appearance to adult yellow mealworms, but may be lighter brown in color and have a dull rather than shiny exoskeleton.
The larvae (mini mealworms) are used as feeder insects for birds, pet reptiles and amphibians, and zoo animals. Both Tenebrio obscurus and Tenebrio molitor are currently studied for their ability to biodegrade waste polystyrene products.
