be an important resource for certain invertebrates and small mammals. However, the adults of many species have chemical defenses and are relatively protected against predators. Adults of most species, except grain pests, have slow metabolisms, and live long lives compared to other insects, ranging from approximately six months to two years. Some species live in intensely dry deserts such as the Namib, and have evolved adaptions by which they collect droplets of fog that deposit on their elytra. As the droplets accumulate the water drains down the beetles' backs to their mouthparts, where they swallow it. Humans spread some species such that they have become cosmopolitan, such as Tribolium castaneum, the red flour beetle, which was spread through grain products. Notable species The larval stages of several species are cultured as feeder insects for captive insectivores or as laboratory subjects: Tenebrio molitor 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 Gnathocerus cornutus. In southwestern North America, species of the genus Eleodes (particularly E. obscurus) 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. Gallery References External links Tenebrionidae.net- information and pictures about darkling beetles