Lesser Mealworm (Darkling Beetle)

Warm, damp environments such as poultry houses, bird nests, grain storage areas, and compost piles.

Scavengers that feed on poultry feed, grain, bird droppings, and occasionally animal carcasses.

Nocturnal and highly gregarious. Larvae are often found burrowing in insulation and wood, causing structural damage. They go through a complete metamorphosis.

Significant economic pest in the poultry industry; they carry various pathogens such as Salmonella and E. coli. They can damage insulating materials in buildings.