Glossary

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Coleoptera

Beetles, largest sub-group of insects

Coleoptera are characterised by their rigid outer wings, which cover a more delicate set of inner wings. Their length can vary from less than a millimetre to up to 17 centimetres.

Worldwide, there are about 350,000 species of beetles. Beetles have existed for at least 280 million years.

chrysonelid beetle

Like all insects, beetles pass through several stages of development: Their larvae hatch from an egg and pupate. After pupation, adult beetles hatch from their cocoon and live for only a few weeks.

Beetles may feed on living and dead plant material, other insects, carrion, and dung. Some species are agricultural pests, e.g. the western corn rootworm.