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.
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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. |
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