How To Identify Coleoptera

Beetles are one of the largest groups of insects on the planet, and they are classified in the order Coleoptera. They play an important role in the environment besides serving as food for many animals such as amphibians, reptiles and birds. For example, dung beetles, a type of Coleoptera, feed on the dung of herbivores, and they also reproduce in dung. If it wasn't for these beetles getting rid of tons of waste in pasture lands and natural areas, the world might be overrun by animal waste. Some beetles eat annoying parasites like fleas, bed bugs and lice. Coleoptera have some distinguishing features that set them apart from other insects, even though they come in all colors and sizes.

Things You'll Need

  • Magnifying glass
  • Insect
  • Spotlight
Show More

Instructions

  1. How to Identify Coleoptera

    • 1

      Look at the forewings of the insect to see if it is Coleoptera. The forewings of beetles are hardened, and they are called elytra. Coleoptera are sheath-winged insects.

    • 2

      Check to see if the specimen has three sections to its body. There should be a head, thorax and abdomen, like all insects. Beetles have a particulary hard exoskeleton. The thorax contains the legs and wings.

    • 3

      Touch the middle section of the insect carefully to see if it is a hard plate. Beetles have a hard plate called a pronotum.

    • 4

      Look to see if there are mandibles protruding. Some beetles have mandibles, which look like large pincers. These are used to grasp, crush, or cut food or enemies. If you can look closely at the eyes, they should be compound. Beetles will also have antennas.

    • 5

      Observe the metamorphosis of Coleoptera if possible. Beetles will have a complete metamorphosis. They begin as an egg, and then they go through the larva and pupa stages before they become an adult.