Darkling Beetle

Darkling Beetle
Zophobas morio

Darkling beetles start out as larvae known as superworms. Once they reach adulthood, superworms go into a state of metamorphosis where they pupate and emerge as darkling beetles. When threatened, adult beetles release a pungent chemical defense that makes them unappealing to predators.

Darkling beetles are detritivores that eat dead and decomposing material from plants and animals. Detritivores play an incredibly important part in our ecosystems and ensure that the cycle of decomposition runs smoothly.

The darkling beetles at Lindsay Wildlife are sourced from our superworm feeder colony. Like all the animal ambassadors at Lindsay, these beetles educate the public about the importance of their species in our ecosystems.