Beetle

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-'''Beetles''' (order '''Coleoptera''') are one of the main groups of [[insect]]s. The [[order (biology)|order]] has more [[species]] in it than any other order in the entire [[animal kingdom]]. 40% of all insect species are beetles (about 350,000 species), and new species are regularly discovered.+'''Beetles''' (order '''Coleoptera''') '''Beetles''', belonging to the order Coleoptera, are one of the most diverse and widespread groups of insects on Earth. With over 350,000 known species, they represent about 40% of all known insects and 25% of all known animal life-forms. Their success and diversity make them a fascinating subject in the study of entomology and ecology.
 +Introduction
-The [[wing|forewing]]s of beetles are transformed into hard shells, called [[elytra]]. These elytra form an armour protecting the [[abdomen]] and the sensitive hindwings. The forewings are not used (at least not actively flapped) in [[flight|flying]], but they must (in most species) be raised in order to move the hindwings. After landing, the hindwings are folded below the elytra. Most beetles can fly, but few can match the aerobatic proficiency of some other groups, e.g. [[fly|flies]], and many species only fly if absolutely necessary. Some beetles have elytra that have grown together and cannot fly at all; a few have lost their wings altogether.+Coleoptera, the scientific name for beetles, means "sheathed wing," which aptly describes their most notable feature: a pair of hardened forewings, known as elytra. These elytra cover the delicate flight wings and protect the beetle's body. Beetles come in an astonishing variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, adapted to thrive in an extensive range of environments.
- + 
-Some beetle [[larva]]e (young) are [[leaf mine]]rs. +==Physical Description==
-Beetles can be found in almost all [[biome]]s, but are not known to occur in the sea or in the [[polar region]]s.+ 
-Beetles are [[endopterygote]]s with [[complete metamorphosis]]. The larva of a beetle is called a grub.+Beetles range in size from the minuscule featherwing beetles, which can be less than 1 mm long, to the gigantic Hercules beetles, which can reach lengths of up to 17 cm including their horns. Their bodies are typically divided into three sections: the head, thorax, and abdomen. Beetles have well-developed antennae and mandibles. Their coloration varies widely, from drab browns and blacks to striking iridescent hues.
-The study of beetles is called [[coleopterology]], and its practitioners [[coleopterist]]s. See [[list of notable coleopterists]].+==Habitat and Distribution==
 + 
 +Beetles inhabit nearly every habitat on Earth, including freshwater and coastal habitats, forests, meadows, deserts, and even polar regions. Their adaptability to diverse climates and environments is unparalleled in the insect world. Some species are expert burrowers, while others are adept at swimming or flying.
 +==Diet and Feeding==
 + 
 +Beetles exhibit a vast range of feeding habits. Some species are herbivores, feeding on plants, while others are predators, scavengers, or decomposers. Certain species, like the bark beetles, can be pests to forests, while dung beetles play crucial roles in nutrient cycling by breaking down animal feces.
 +==Reproduction and Lifecycle==
 + 
 +Beetles undergo complete metamorphosis, passing through four distinct stages of development: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Female beetles lay eggs in carefully chosen locations that offer optimal conditions for larval survival. Beetle larvae, often referred to as grubs, usually have a different diet and habitat from adults. After reaching a certain size, larvae enter the pupal stage, during which they undergo a significant transformation into their adult form.
 +==Behavior and Social Structure==
 + 
 +While most beetles lead solitary lives, some species exhibit interesting social behaviors. For instance, some dung beetles roll dung into balls, which are used as food or breeding chambers. Fireflies, a type of beetle, are known for their bioluminescent communication in mating displays.
 +==Conservation Status==
 + 
 +The conservation status of beetles varies widely. While many species are abundant, others are threatened by habitat loss, pollution, and climate change. Some, like the American burying beetle, are listed as endangered and are the subject of conservation efforts.
 +==Cultural Significance==
 + 
 +Beetles have been symbols in various cultures throughout history. In Ancient Egypt, the scarab beetle was revered as a symbol of creation and rebirth. In popular culture, beetles are often depicted in literature and art, showcasing their enduring influence on human imagination.
== Notable types == == Notable types ==

Revision as of 22:26, 3 Dec 2023

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Picture of a beetle. Image provided by Classroom Clip Art (http://classroomclipart.com)
Beetles

Beetle. Image provided by Classroom Clip Art (http://classroomclipart.com)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Arthropoda
Class:Insecta
Subclass:Pterygota
Infraclass:Neoptera
Superorder:Endopterygota
Order:Coleoptera
Suborders

Adephaga
Archostemata
Myxophaga
Polyphaga
many subgroups:
see Subgroups of the order Coleoptera

Beetles (order Coleoptera) Beetles, belonging to the order Coleoptera, are one of the most diverse and widespread groups of insects on Earth. With over 350,000 known species, they represent about 40% of all known insects and 25% of all known animal life-forms. Their success and diversity make them a fascinating subject in the study of entomology and ecology. Introduction

Coleoptera, the scientific name for beetles, means "sheathed wing," which aptly describes their most notable feature: a pair of hardened forewings, known as elytra. These elytra cover the delicate flight wings and protect the beetle's body. Beetles come in an astonishing variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, adapted to thrive in an extensive range of environments.

Contents

Physical Description

Beetles range in size from the minuscule featherwing beetles, which can be less than 1 mm long, to the gigantic Hercules beetles, which can reach lengths of up to 17 cm including their horns. Their bodies are typically divided into three sections: the head, thorax, and abdomen. Beetles have well-developed antennae and mandibles. Their coloration varies widely, from drab browns and blacks to striking iridescent hues.

Habitat and Distribution

Beetles inhabit nearly every habitat on Earth, including freshwater and coastal habitats, forests, meadows, deserts, and even polar regions. Their adaptability to diverse climates and environments is unparalleled in the insect world. Some species are expert burrowers, while others are adept at swimming or flying.

Diet and Feeding

Beetles exhibit a vast range of feeding habits. Some species are herbivores, feeding on plants, while others are predators, scavengers, or decomposers. Certain species, like the bark beetles, can be pests to forests, while dung beetles play crucial roles in nutrient cycling by breaking down animal feces.

Reproduction and Lifecycle

Beetles undergo complete metamorphosis, passing through four distinct stages of development: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Female beetles lay eggs in carefully chosen locations that offer optimal conditions for larval survival. Beetle larvae, often referred to as grubs, usually have a different diet and habitat from adults. After reaching a certain size, larvae enter the pupal stage, during which they undergo a significant transformation into their adult form.

Behavior and Social Structure

While most beetles lead solitary lives, some species exhibit interesting social behaviors. For instance, some dung beetles roll dung into balls, which are used as food or breeding chambers. Fireflies, a type of beetle, are known for their bioluminescent communication in mating displays.

Conservation Status

The conservation status of beetles varies widely. While many species are abundant, others are threatened by habitat loss, pollution, and climate change. Some, like the American burying beetle, are listed as endangered and are the subject of conservation efforts.

Cultural Significance

Beetles have been symbols in various cultures throughout history. In Ancient Egypt, the scarab beetle was revered as a symbol of creation and rebirth. In popular culture, beetles are often depicted in literature and art, showcasing their enduring influence on human imagination.

Notable types

Well-known types of beetles include:

Some types of beetles are less well-known, but are problems in some areas:


Subgroups

The extraordinary number of beetle species poses special problems for classification, with some families consisting of thousands of species and needing further division into subfamilies and tribes.

See Subgroups of the order Coleoptera for a complete list.

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