With over 400,000 species living on Earth, various types of beetles make up a significant portion of the planet’s biodiversity. Each type possesses unique characteristics, such as armored exoskeletons and varied diets.
This article dissects the huge Coleoptera order and lists the top species for each suborder. Let us embark on a journey of discovery through the vast world of beetles worldwide.
Classification of Beetles
Beetles, belonging to the order Coleoptera, are the largest group within the animal kingdom. Remarkably, they account for about 25% of all known life forms, with nearly 400,000 species described to date.
The Coleoptera order is divided into four suborders: Archostemata, Myxophaga, Adephaga, and Polyphaga. Archostemata, the smallest suborder, encompasses traditional and ancient species of beetles.
Myxophaga, on the other hand, includes tiny beetles primarily associated with an aquatic lifestyle. Next, Adephaga is a suborder mainly containing ground and water beetles exhibiting predatory habits.
Finally, the largest of all, Polyphaga, includes around 90% of all the beetle species, boasting diverse species ranging from ladybugs to weevils.
In this list, we included families from each suborder. one for Archostemata, one for Myxophaga, two for Adephaga, and 13 for Polyphaga.
Beetle Families
The most recent checklist of beetles of the British Isles includes 4072 species in 103 families, listed in taxonomic order below. Click on the links to obtain more information about each family, including identification guides, websites and (where appropriate) recording schemes. This guide has been prepared by Mark Gurney.
17 Different Types of Beetle Families From Each Suborder
Quick links to the different types of beetles:
- 1. Reticulated Beetles
- 2. Skiff Beetles
- 3. Ground Beetles
- 4. Tiger Beetles
- 5. Ladybird Beetles
- 6. Scarab Beetles
Types of Beetles with Pictures and Information
OK, the topic is types of beetles, and for many people, it’sa real yawner because, well beetles are not as popular an insect for the general population, as say butterflies. Luckily, insect enthusiasts often think beetle identification, if only because of their potential threat to lawns and gardens. That’s a good thing. With names such as Dung Beetles, June Beetles, May Beetles and Rhinocerous Beetles, the native Scarab Beetles are often colorful and easy to identify. The picture shows a large green June Beetle in the Cotinis genus. A type of beetle commonly found in residential areas across the United States.
Suborder Adephaga: While often characterized as the large ground and water beetles, not all large beetles found on the ground or in the water belong to families in the suborder. Suborder members are held together by a handful of shared physical characteristics.
Suborder Polyphaga: This is the largest group, with estimates that it contains close to 85% – 90% of all beetle species. Ladybugs or ladybird beetles might be the most easy to identify beetle group, however identifying lady bird beetle species may not be so easy. Identifying flower beetles such as the longhorn beetles, common visitors to residential areas, starts by noticing their long antennae.
Carrion Beetles are a great story that comes from the suborder Polyphaga. Their salvaging habits make them one of nature’s natural recyclers. As far as beetles go, it’s a small family. Depending on the source anywhere from thirty to fifty species can be found in the United States. The common name carrion refers to the fact that the beetles feed on a variety of invertebrate animals from birds, to rodents to snakes.
Adults lay their eggs in the bodies, and through a remarkable engineering effort, they (adults) bury the bodies in the ground, thereby providing food and shelter for their larvae. Many species also grow over one inch in length, and their wandering along the ground makes for easy pickings for insect collectors.
Identifying Ground Beetles
Logic suggests that identifying ground beetles begins by establishing the fact that the beetle in question actually is on the ground, rather than, for example, being on a tree. It’s a good ID starting point.
Moving past the basics, identifying ground beetles often begins with a walk through the woods, or along a river path. The large, dark bodied beetles, forest floor predators go by the name ground beetles, a large family (Carabidae) of beetles in the suborder Adephaga.
Ground beetles inhabit most areas of the world, and scientists estimate up to three hundred thousand species have already been documented. They spend their nights, (most are nocturnal) roaming the ground in search of insect prey.
The narrow head and jaws make it easier for it to feed on snails, it’s meal of choice as it roams the forest floors.
Some ground beetles can also be identified by color. North America hosts approximately one dozen different Pasimachus species, often called Blue-lined or Purple-line Ground Beetles because of the colorful tint around the edges of the body. The picture highlights the Pasimachus large head and jaws. They are predators that use their jaws to catch and consume caterpillars and a variety of insects in their territory.
Pterostichus, a dominant genera of Woodland Ground Beetles can often be identified by a shiny body and striated elytra. On occasion, ground beetles are known to make their way inside structures. While known for powerful jaws, most ground beetles are not known to actively bite humans.
All things being equal, they prefer a flight over fight defensive strategy. Most will scurry away from humans, and on occasion they will fly. Because they are beneficial insects, agriculturalists generally do not recommend the use of pesticides as a pest control strategy.
Tiger Beetles
The name tiger beetle generally refers to members of the Genus Cicindela in the ground beetle family (Carabidae). Close to one hundred different species live in the United States. Many entomologists consider them beneficial insects because they prey on pest insects such as flies.
Most tiger beetles can be found in areas of sandy soil along water ways. Identifying them starts by noticing their movement. They tend to scurry along the ground at a fast clip, looking for food.
The top picture shows a colorful species measuring about one-half inch in length. It also shows the insect’s jaws, that might inflict a painful bite on any person who picked it up.
Picture two of the Olique-lined tiger beetle, highlights the light line pattern on an otherwise dull, brown body. There is also a subspecies with a green body.
Another interesting example from the suborder Polyphaga, Bess Beetles (family Passalidae), are represented in the United States by four different species. Primarily a tropical family, they are known mostly for their large size, (one and one-half inch body length). Additionally, they are considered social insects that live and breed in downed trees. The picture shows Odontotaenius disjunctus, complete with its shiny black body, horn and brown legs. It is the most common species, found in forest and woodland areas throughout much of the eastern half of the United States.
Exploring Beetle Types: A Comprehensive Guide to the Intriguing World of Beetles
Photo byAlLesonPixabay
Beetles, belonging to the order Coleoptera, paint a fascinating picture of biodiversity, boasting an incredible range of shapes, sizes, colors, and behaviors. With an estimated 350,000 to 450,000 species globally, beetles contribute to 25% of all life forms and 40% of the insect world. This article will delve into an in-depth view of various beetle types, shedding light on their unique characteristics, habitats, and roles in the ecosystem.
1. Understanding Beetles
1.1 Beetle Anatomy
Beetles possess distinct body structures that set them apart from other insects. Their body is divided into three primary segments: the head, the thorax, and the abdomen. The most noticeable feature of beetles is their hardened front wings, known as elytra. Elytra are not used for flight but serve as protective shields for the delicate hind wings underneath. When beetles are ready to take flight, their elytra lift, allowing the hind wings to unfurl.
1.2 Beetle Life Cycle
Beetles undergo a complete metamorphosis, comprising four life stages – egg, larva, pupa, and adult. During their larval stage, beetles often display vast differences in appearance compared to their adult form. The duration of the life cycle varies among species. Some beetles complete multiple generations within a year, while others may live for several years.
2. Beetle Habitats and Diets
Beetles have adapted to inhabit a wide range of environments, excluding the most extreme polar and marine habitats. They can be found on the ground, underneath stones or logs, within plant material, in freshwater bodies, and even within the nests of other insects.
Their diets are as diverse as their habitats. Beetles feed on all parts of dead or living land plants, decomposing organic matter, fungi, and even other insects. Some beetles, known as predators, actively hunt and reduce populations of problem insects, particularly caterpillars and aphids.
3. Importance of Beetles
3.1 Benefits of Beetles
Beetles play a critical role in maintaining balanced ecosystems. As decomposers, they help break down dead plants and animals, returning vital nutrients to the soil. Predatory beetles contribute to natural pest control, reducing populations of insects that may otherwise damage plants and crops.
3.2 Detriments of Beetles
Despite their benefits, certain beetle types can cause significant harm. Some species, such as bark beetles, can kill thousands of trees in forests annually. Agricultural pests like the Cotton Boll Weevil and Rootworm species pose a constant threat to crops. Stored food items like meats, dairy products, grains, and fruits can also fall prey to certain beetle species.
4. Diverse Beetle Types
Beetles come in an array of forms, each with unique characteristics. Here are some prominent beetle types that you might encounter in your surroundings.
4.1 Ladybugs
Ladybugs, also known as ladybird beetles, are small beetles that typically measure between 0.8 and 18mm. They are beneficial predators that feed on aphids and other soft-bodied insects. Ladybugs are easily recognized by their bright red shell adorned with black spots.
4.2 Weevils
Weevils are one of the most common beetle types, with their large snouts being their most distinguishing feature. They are typically brown, black, or green and possess a slender oval body. Weevils are known to be one of the most destructive beetles, often causing extensive damage to crops and contaminating stored grains.
4.3 Scarabs
Scarabs include a large group of beetles with over 30,000 species found globally. They vary in size from 1.5 to 160 mm and are often shiny, sometimes even metallic. Scarabs typically feed on carrion, feces, and decaying plant matter.
4.4 Ground Beetles
Ground beetles belong to the Carabidae family, one of the largest beetle families. They are generally small to large, ranging from 1/4 to 1 inch or more in length. Most are nocturnal and can be found under plant debris, stones, logs, and in other hidden places.
4.5 Long-Horned Beetles
Long-horned beetles are part of the Cerambycidae family. They are known for their elongated bodies and long, curved antennae, which are often longer than their bodies. These beetles are generally wood-borers and are considered pests in forests and landscapes.
5. Beetles: A Naturalist’s Delight
Beetles, with their myriad shapes, sizes, and behaviors, are a naturalist’s delight. From the smallest feather-winged beetles to the large tropical species, the world of beetles is teeming with variety. Beetles’ iridescent colors, striking patterns, and intriguing forms have made them popular among collectors and nature enthusiasts alike.
6. Beetles: Friend or Foe?
With their vast diversity, beetles can either be beneficial or harmful. While some species, like ladybugs and ground beetles, are beneficial predators that help control pest populations, others can cause significant damage to agricultural crops and stored food products.
7. Beetles in Popular Culture
The fascination with beetles extends beyond the field of biology. In ancient Egypt, scarabs were revered as symbols of the sun god, Ra. Beetles have also found their way into literature, art, and film, further cementing their place in popular culture.
8. Beetles and Conservation
Despite their abundance, many beetle species are under threat due to habitat loss, pollution, and climate change. Conservation efforts are underway to protect these remarkable creatures and the critical roles they play in our ecosystems.
9. Beetles and Citizen Science
Citizen science projects involving beetles provide an opportunity for individuals to contribute to scientific research and conservation. These projects often involve identifying and counting beetles, providing valuable data for scientists studying beetle ecology and conservation.
10. Beetles in the Home and Garden
Some beetle types, such as ladybugs and ground beetles, can be beneficial in the garden, helping to control pests. However, other types, such as weevils and certain scarab beetles, can cause significant damage to crops and stored food.
11. Beetles as Biological Control Agents
Certain beetle types are used as biological control agents to manage pests. For example, ladybugs are often used to control aphid populations in gardens and agricultural fields.
12. Beetles: A World Waiting to be Discovered
With their immense diversity and fascinating biology, the world of beetles offers endless opportunities for discovery and learning. Whether you’re a budding entomologist, a dedicated gardener, or just a nature lover, there’s always something new to learn about these remarkable creatures.
In conclusion, understanding different beetle types and their roles in the ecosystem can provide valuable insights into biodiversity and conservation. As one delves deeper into the world of beetles, each species unveils a unique story of evolution, adaptation, and survival, reminding us of the intricate web of life that connects us all.
How Many Species of Beetle Are There?
Have you ever wondered how many species of beetles there are? The answer is: a lot! There are over 350,000 types of beetles living on Earth, with scientists discovering more every day. Did you know that some of beetles that are alive today were also around when dinosaurs walked the planet? These pests can adapt to their surroundings, whether it be warmer or rainier than what they’re used to. This flexibility allows beetles to survive in almost any habitat and continue reproducing strong offspring.
