FOR AGES 3 YEARS TO 18 YEARS
At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents.
We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family.
Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability.
Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
The darkling beetle is the common name given to the family of beetles, Tenebrionidae. With over 20,000 species within this family, this beetle can be found across the planet with significant populations in North America and Africa. The etymology of Tenebrionidae is the Latin word Tenebrio, which means 'seeker of dark places'. Thus, the English name, the darkling beetle came into being. Although, it must be noted that despite the fact that most members of the family of Tenebrionidae inhabit darker places, genera such as Stenocara and Onymacris are the opposite in the sense that they are active during daylight and inactive by the night. The darkling beetle has a four stage lifecycle that consists of eggs, larva, pupa, and finally the adult beetle. These beetles have an interesting relationship with humans, with them being viewed as pests, food for pets, feed for reptiles, bait for fishes, or even food for consumption depending on which country or culture you are a part of.
Such is the diversity of darkling beetles that despite being generally flightless, mealworm beetle (the larva form of is called mealworms) can fly to disperse. Even when it comes to their appearance there is variety. For instance, the wooly darkling Beetle, which is found in North America, has brightly colored reddish-brown hair that covers its exoskeleton.
Indulge in these darkling beetle facts for kids that are just as fun for adults and get to know more about the insects.
The darkling beetle is the common name given to the family Tenebrionidae, which has over 20,000 species. The Tenebrionidae is a type of insect.
The darkling beetle belongs to the class of Insecta with other insects such as the dragonfly and worms.
With over 20,000 species in the family Tenebrionidae, it is hard to estimate what the population of these beetles is.
This insect has adapted to live in deserts and forests.
Family Tenebrionidae consists of the kind of beetles that can be spotted under stones, decaying logs, or bracket fungi. Some of the species are diurnal and can be found in open. Many species are even adapted to desert conditions.
The darkling beetle generally lives alone and does not necessarily require a colony to thrive in.
As we have mentioned, darkling beetles is not one species, and thus, each species has a varying life span. But as a general rule, the darkling beetle lives longer than other insects due to its slower metabolism. Most species live between six months to two years, while few can survive up to 10 years.
The life cycle of a darkling beetle is fascinatingly categorized neatly into four distinct stages. The stages are egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The female of this species are prolific at laying eggs, and over a lifespan can lay about 500 eggs.
While most darkling beetles are not under any threat of extinction, two are considered threatened, and one is unfortunately critically endangered.
Darkling beetles are small rounded worms that are generally scaly with their exoskeletons being shades of brown, black, or cream.
While these are beautiful creatures in their own way, most humans find these beetles repulsive.
Darkling beetles communicate through pheromones.
The darkling beetle can vary in size and shape. Adult darkling beetle measurements can range in length from 2-35 mm. The larvae are about 25 mm long.
It's hard to define a range of speed for these beetles. Although, they are not fast by any means.
Darkling beetles can be big for insects, but they still weigh only about 60-110 mg.
There are no separate names for the male and female darkling beetle.
A baby darkling beetle can be called larvae or pupa.
Darkling beetles are omnivores that are proficient scavengers as well. The beetle can feed on dead insects, decaying leaves, fresh plant matter, rotting wood, and fungi.
The darkling beetle is absent from any cantharidin, the toxin in blister beetles, thus you don't need to be too scared of a darkling beetle bite. Although, some darkling beetle larvae are harmful to human indirectly as they feed on stored grains.
These beetles don't make the best pets. But, if you do decide to have one, keep it in a well-ventilated space and pay attention to its adaptations and feed accordingly.
Darkling beetles cannot fly due to the fact that they have fused wings (known as elytra). These wings are sealed to their body making it impossible for them to take flight. The only exception to this is the Tenebrio Molitor that can take flight.
The darkling beetle has distinct physical characteristics. Firstly, they have an antenna that is 11-segmented. Secondly, the first of its abdominal sternite is whole as opposed to being divided by the hind coxae. Thirdly, their eyes have a notched frontal ridge.
Darkling beetles can be viewed as an invasive pest, food for your pets, or in some cultures food for human consumption. In the mealworm beetles' larva stage, they can be used as feed for reptiles, fish, and birds.
Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! You can even occupy yourself at home by drawing one on our Darkling beetles coloring pages.
Read The Disclaimer
At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents.
We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family.
Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability.
Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
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