Blapstinus sp.

Bapstinus is a genus of darkling beetle with more than 100 described species. Most species of darkling beetles are generalist omnivores, feeding on decaying wood, fresh plant matter, dead insects, or fungi. Some species are flightless. Species that are capable of flight typically only fly when threatened or to find nearby food sources. The larvae of darkling beetles are known as mealworms. Mealworms are reared in mass quantities and are a common food item sold for feeding pet amphibians, reptiles, rodents, and other insect species.

Order: Coleoptera
Family: Tenebrionidae
Species: Blapstinus sp.

Photograph: © 2004 RKD Peterson
Date of Photograph: 5 July 2004
Location: Montana, Gallatin Co.