Mealworm Beetle - Tenebrio molitor

Tenebrio molitor is a species of darkling beetle. Length 12 to 18 mm, width 4.5 to 6 mm. Usually dark brown to almost black but light brown specimens are not uncommon. Entire upper surface punctate and somewhat shining.

Often found around houses where it is attracted to lights.

May to September.

The larvae are the familiar mealworms that are fed to birds.

Widespread and previously fairly frequent in England, but possibly declining.

Occasional in Leicestershire and Rutland. There were a total of 22 VC55 records for this species up to March 2015.