The
larval stages of several species are cultured as
feeder insects for captive
insectivores or as laboratory subjects: •
Tenebrio molitor, or
mealworm, is commonly used to feed terrestrial
amniotes kept in
terraria. •
Tribolium castaneum is a laboratory animal useful as a
model organism, especially in studies of
intragenomic conflict and population ecology. •
Zophobas morio, or
superworm, is valued as a feed for captive reptiles; it contains less
chitin than
Tenebrio molitor. •
Alphitobius diaperinus, lesser mealworm • Many tenebrionids are pests of
cereal and
flour silos and other storage facilities, including
T. castaneum, other
Tribolium species such as
Tribolium confusum and
Tribolium destructor, and
Gnatocerus cornutus. • In southwestern North America, species of the genus
Eleodes (particularly
E. obscura) are well known as "
pinacate beetles" or "desert stink beetles". • Several genera, such as
Stenocara and
Onymacris, are of interest in ecological studies of arid conditions and their associated adaptations. •
Ulomoides dermestoides, known as "Chinese weevil", "peanut beetle", "cancer beetle", or "asthma beetle", is eaten in Argentina where it is thought to be a treatment for cancer, asthma, and other illnesses. •
Luprops tristis is found in India, where it is known as the Mupli beetle. It is notorious for a defensive secretion that causes skin burns. Since they congregate in large numbers, they can easily become a pest. == Gallery ==