The Entomological Order Coleoptera
The Beetle Group: Why We Should Appreciate Them
Beetles are insects found in almost every habitat and location on Earth and
are considered to be part of the largest of all taxonomic Orders on Earth. In the group
Holometabola, beetles are defined by their hardened front pair of wings called
elytra. Beetles are similar to insects like butterflies in that
they undergo
a complete metamorphosis from an immobile pupae stage to a complete adult form!
Species come in a wide variety of colours and sizes, and are easily found in gardens, forests, yards,
and more! Featured prominently in artistic and symbolic cultural features worldwide,
beetles are an excellent gateway species to learning more about entomology and
fostering an appreciation for insects.