Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer, 1797)

Lesser mealworm, Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer, 1797) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) is very similar in appearance and appreciation as the yellow mealworm. This species originated out of Africa and the Mediterranean regions of the world but now can be found globally in places where poultry is mass-produced. This species is considered one of the primary pests of the poultry industry due to its ability to consume feed, damage poultry barns (i.e. larvae seeking pupariation site will bore into wood or insulation to pupate), and carry pathogens; however, this species can also be mass-produced and resulting larvae harvested and sold as feed for livestock.