Coleoptera
Coleoptera, known as beetles, are a diverse taxonomic order that includes over 350,000 species; this makes it the largest order in the animal kingdom. Coleoptera can be found on all continents except Antarctica, being most diverse in tropical zones where water and nutrients are abundant. They are of the kindom Animalia, the phylum Anthropoda, subphylum Hexapoda, and the class of Insecta. Almost all beetles undergo complete metamorphism, which, in addition to the elytron, are their most distinctive features. With a high variety of species, habitats, and diets, beetles can be found virtually anywhere on Earth.
Characteristics
Coleoptera are a highly diverse order, all of which go through complete metamorphosis. This describes the process of undergoing four life-stages. These include the egg or embryo, the larva, the pupa, which is the resting or transformative stage, and finally imago, which is the adult or sexual stage. Animals that undergo complete metamorphism are called holometabolous.
One of coleoptera’s most distinguishing features is their elytron. Elytra are the hardened forewings, and are the reason for their formal name. Koleos means sheath, and pteron means wing. These wings meet down a line down the middle of their backs and work in conjunction with their exoskeleton to protect their hind wings and their abdomen.
Diet
One of coleoptera’s most distinguishing features is their elytron. Elytra are the hardened forewings, and are the reason for their formal name. Koleos means sheath, and pteron means wing. These wings meet down a line down the middle of their backs and work in conjunction with their exoskeleton to protect their hind wings and their abdomen. It is evident that due to the vast range of species and habitats, beetles’ diets vary just as widely.
Habitat
Coleoptera habituate all terrestrial and fresh-water environments, and are most abundant in the tropical regions of the lower latitudes. Depending on the species, beetles live on fungi, burrow into plant, and dig tunnels into wood or trees.