Tenebrio obscurus
In 3 days ~10% in a week ~20%
Tenebrio obscurus, or the dark mealworm beetle, is a species of darkling beetle whose larvae are known as mini mealworms. These insects should not be confused with younger mealworms (Tenebrio molitor) or with the confused flour beetle (Tribolium confusum).
Tenebrio obscurus larvae resemble very small mealworms. Larvae are cylindrical and initially white, darkening as they mature. Larvae can reach a length of 25 to 30 millimetres (0.98 to 1.18 in). Larvae then pupate, and later emerge as small, black beetles, 12 to 18 millimetres (0.47 to 0.71 in) long. In appearance, adults are similar to the yellow mealworm. They may have a lighter brown color or appear dull rather than shiny.
Mini mealworm larvae are used as a feeder insect for birds, reptile and amphibian pets, and zoo animals. Both Tenebrio obscurus and Tenebrio molitor are being studied for their ability to biodegrade waste polystyrene products.
A photo of an adult Tenebrio obscurus. Information and photos from ZipcodeZoo.com Wikipedia →
| # | Park | Country | Daily sighting probability |
|---|
More parks will be added in future updates.
| # | City | Country | Daily sighting probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Salt Lake City | 🇺🇸 United States | |
| 2 | Denver | 🇺🇸 United States |
Rare
Under 5% of wildlife watchers report a Dark Mealworm sighting in Denver on a given day, based on 6 verified sightings from GBIF citizen-science data. It is the 384th most-seen of the 461 insects we can rate there. Over three days the chance rises to about 10%, and over a week to about 20%, if each day is a fresh chance.
Any time of year
In every month with enough records, under 5% of wildlife watchers report a Dark Mealworm in Denver on a given day, so our monthly data shows no clear season.
Among the best
Of the 2 cities where we can rate Dark Mealworm sightings, Denver ranks 2nd at under 5%, level with the leaders once rounded. The best odds are in Salt Lake City (United States, under 5%).
Same family: Tenebrionidae
The closest relatives of the Dark Mealworm that you can see in Denver (family Tenebrionidae, Darkling Beetles) are Red-Backed Darkling Beetle (about 10%) and Eleodes fusiformis (about 10%), with each one's daily chance of a sighting.
GBIF citizen-science records
It is estimated from how often the Dark Mealworm is recorded against all the insects logged in Denver (6 verified sightings), calibrated against known sighting rates. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10% because citizen-science data supports honest approximations, not decimals, and months with records from fewer than five people show "—". How it works.
