The spelling of the word "teniola cinerea" can seem daunting at first. However, with the help of the IPA phonetic transcription, we can break down the pronunciation into smaller parts. "Teniola" is pronounced /tɛnɪˈoʊlə/, with emphasis on the second syllable. "Cinerea" is pronounced /sɪnɪˈrɪə/, with emphasis on the first syllable. "Teniola" refers to a genus of moths, while "cinerea" means gray in color. Together, "teniola cinerea" describes a gray moth that belongs to the genus Teniola.
Teniola cinerea is a scientific name that refers to a species of beetle belonging to the family Tenebrionidae. It is a small insect commonly known as the darkling beetle or the mealworm beetle. This species is widely distributed across different regions of North America, including the United States and Canada.
The Teniola cinerea beetle typically has a dark brown or black-colored exoskeleton. It measures around 10-12 millimeters in length and has a cylindrical shape. It possesses characteristic body segments and small, hardened wing covers that are fused together, called elytra. The antennae of this beetle are relatively short when compared to other species in the family Tenebrionidae.
These beetles are primarily active during the night and are commonly found in various habitats such as forests, grasslands, and agricultural fields. They are especially abundant in areas with decaying organic matter, as they feed on a variety of detritus and organic materials. Mealworm beetles are known for their ability to break down dead plant material and contribute to the recycling of organic matter within ecosystems.
In addition to their ecological role, Teniola cinerea beetles have also gained attention due to their use in scientific research and various fields such as entomology, ecology, and agriculture. They are commonly utilized as laboratory models to study different aspects of insect physiology, behavior, and genetics. Moreover, they have economic significance as a food source for reptiles, birds, and mammals, as well as being cultured as an optimal source of protein for certain human food industries.
See toeniola.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.