What Do Darkling Beetles Do?

Adult Darkling Beetles are scavengers, eating both fresh and decaying vegetation. In nature, they feed on dried or rotting plant matter. In captivity, they feed on bran meal, apples, oranges, potatoes, cucumber, romaine lettuce, and pears. ... Darkling beetles are active both during the day and at night.

What are darkling beetles good for?

Many of the darkling beetle species and their larvae (called mealworms) are major agricultural pests. They feed on stored grain and are often encountered around livestock feed. They are also decomposers of dead plant material.

What happens if a darkling beetle bites you?

When the bite happens, the beetle releases a chemical substance that can cause the skin to blister. The blister usually heals within a few days and causes no permanent damage. ... A bite from this type of beetle may cause considerable pain that could last up to a day or two.