Darkling Beetle (Pimelia lutaria)

Large beetle (17-23 mm), endemic to Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and islets, associated with the arid and semi-desert environments of the eastern Canary Islands. The oval body is black, with scales or hairs on the wing covers, giving it an off-white appearance that further highlights the longitudinal ribs along the tergum or back. The darkling beetle is omnivorous and active at dusk and at night. Adults are common but difficult to observe during the day because they bury themselves beneath vegetation. Pimelia is an interesting genus that has evolved in the Canaries and given rise to nine species that are endemic to several islands.