Alphitobius laevigatus, the black fungus beetle, is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. It is found in Europe and North America.[1][2][3][4]
| Alphitobius laevigatus | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Coleoptera |
| Family: | Tenebrionidae |
| Genus: | Alphitobius |
| Species: |
A. laevigatus
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| Binomial name | |
| Alphitobius laevigatus (Fabricius, 1781) | |
A. laevigatus is bred in large quantities for the use as feed for captive birds, reptiles, or amphibians. The larvae reach a length of up to 15 millimeters. The larvae are often marketed under the trade name buffalo worms, a name that is also used for the larvae of Alphitobius diaperinus which can lead to confusion.[5] The species can be detected using the PCR method.[5] In difference to A. diaperinus, A. laevigatus is not used or discussed as food for human consumption.[5]
Media related to Alphitobius laevigatus at Wikimedia Commons
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