Once the adult emerges from the pupa (or molts) it is soft and pale colored
(i.e. teneral - photo 1). In a couple of hours its exoskeleton will harden and
develop its adult coloration (photo 2). The beetle will retain this coloration
and hardened exoskeleton for the rest of its life. Shortly after
molting the wings are
typically small and shriveled and take several minutes to expand to their
full size.
Adult Darkling Beetles live up to two or three months. During this
time they will feed on decaying plant material and other detritus. A typical adult female will lay
several hundred eggs before it
dies.
