[1][2] They occur in the Americas, from the Neotropics into southernmost United States.

[3] Perhaps the best known species is Zophobas morio, synonymously known as Zophobas atratus, a beetle whose larvae are robust mealworms sold as food for pets[4] such as lizards.

[5] Superworms should not be confused with darkling beetle mealworms sprayed with juvenile hormone.

[6] Studies have found that in the wild the larvae sometimes live in bat guano, and they tend to cannibalize the pupae of their own species.

[7] Researchers have discovered that the larvae can subsist on a diet solely of polystyrene (Styrofoam).