Tenebrionid (mealworm) larvae infestation within a home -First discovery

(This is the page we uploaded in August 2015, before we had positive identification of the Eurasian mealworms.)

These are specimens of a type of tenebrionid larvae (mealworm-like larvae, that turn into darkling beetles) found within homes.

The first set is from Mountain Ranch, CA. 25 August 2015. Specimens collected by Trevor Cuthill. Specimens were in various locations throughout the house, but most prevalent along the baseboard of the exterior wall in the living room.

Second set is from a home in Valley Springs, in a shop area. Specimens collected by Ryder Richards, 20 July 2016. Ryder reports the room had lots of sawdust.

Third set are photos of the adult beetles, collected by Ryder Richards from a Valley Springs job site.

Thanks to Dr. Lynn Kimsey for confirmation of the ID.

In our cases, within these homes, we have not found what these larvae are eating. Our best guess is that these are lesser mealworms. We are still looking to find the food source for them.

Click on an image to enlarge it.

Mealworm larvae and adult by rulers (2)
Mealworm larvae and adult by rulers (2)
Mealworm larvae and adult by rulers (1)
Mealworm larvae and adult by rulers (1)
Mealworm-like larvae from within a house
Mealworm larvae from within a house

 

tenebrionid larvae
Darkling beetle larvae infestation within a house
Darkling beetle larvae
Darkling beetle larvae infestation within a house
Darkling beetle larvae
Darkling beetle larvae infestation within a house

 

Tenebrionid larvae

Mealworm larvae from within a house

 

 

 


Second set. Valley Springs, July 2016.

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Mealworm larvae, Valley Springs, July 2016.
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Mealworm larvae, Valley Springs, July 2016.
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Mealworm larvae, Valley Springs, July 2016.
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Mealworm larvae, Valley Springs, July 2016.
Image836
Mealworm larvae, Valley Springs, July 2016.

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Image 2A
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Image 2G   Ataenius
Image 2G Ataenius
Image 2H Opatroides
Image 2H Opatroides
Image 2I Opatroides
Image 2I Opatroides