The tar darkling beetles (Somaticus) are an Afrotropical genus of darkling beetles (Tenebrionidae).

Adults are omnivorous scavengers, and the larvae, known as false wireworms, feed on plant roots.

[2] The larvae of several species are known to damage maize crops.

[3] The adults are matte black with longitudinal ridges on the pronotum and elytra, and may be covered in hairs of different colours.

[2] Species include: