The Tenebrionoidea are a highly diverse superfamily of beetles, also known as darkling beetles and their allies. This large group was known to earlier entomologists as the Heteromera, a classification based on their distinct five-five-four tarsal formula (five segments on the fore and mid legs, and four on the hind legs).
The superfamily includes many beetle families, such as the darkling beetles (Tenebrionidae) and their allies.
Size and Diversity: Tenebrionoidea represents a very large and diverse group of beetles, with some families like Tenebrionidae being among the largest in the animal kingdom.
Historical Classification: The term "Heteromera" was used by older authors to describe this group, which were primarily characterized by their 5-5-4 tarsal formula.
Modern Classification: In contemporary classifications, the Tenebrionoidea is a superfamily that encompasses the former Heteromera.
The Tenebrionoidea includes a wide array of beetles, with some prominent examples being:
Darkling Beetles: (family Tenebrionidae)
Blister Beetles: (family Meloidae)
Ant-like Flower Beetles: (family Anthicidae)
Ant-like Leaf Beetles: (family Aderidae)
