About Beetles
Beetles belong to the order Coleoptera. Their front wings are hardened into protective covers called elytra. Beetles live in nearly every land and freshwater habitat and include predators, plant eaters, scavengers, decomposers, and pollinators.
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Elytra
The front wings form hardened protective covers.
Learn MoreLady Beetles
Many lady beetles prey on aphids and other plant-feeding insects.
Learn MoreWeevils
Weevils are beetles with elongated snouts in many species.
Learn MoreScarabs
Scarabs include dung beetles, flower chafers, and rhinoceros beetles.
Learn MoreFireflies
Fireflies are beetles that produce light.
Learn MoreDecomposers
Many beetles help break down dead wood, fungi, carrion, or dung.
Learn MoreAquatic Beetles
Some beetles are adapted to life in water.
Learn MoreDiversity
Scientists have described hundreds of thousands of beetle species.
Learn MoreElytra
The thinner flight wings fold underneath when the beetle is not flying.
Lady Beetles
Both adults and larvae can be important natural predators.
Weevils
They include an enormous number of plant-feeding species.
Scarabs
Dung beetles recycle animal waste and move nutrients into soil.
Fireflies
Their bioluminescence is used mainly for communication and mating signals.
Decomposers
This recycles nutrients back into ecosystems.
Aquatic Beetles
Diving beetles and whirligig beetles use specialized legs and behaviors for swimming.
Diversity
Their success reflects flexible diets, protective bodies, complete metamorphosis, and long evolutionary history.