No. 01 · Holometabolous
Beetles
Coleoptera
Introduction
Coleoptera — the beetles — is the most species-rich order of any animal group, accounting for roughly 25% of all known life forms. J.B.S. Haldane famously remarked that the Creator must have 'an inordinate fondness for beetles.'
Two pairs of wings; the front pair hardened into shell-like elytra that meet in a straight line down the back at rest. Chewing mouthparts directed forward. Complete metamorphosis; larvae are often called grubs.
Field marks
Key ID traits.
Hardened forewings (elytra) cover membranous hindwings and meet in a straight line down the back. Chewing mouthparts. The largest order of organisms on Earth.
Etymology
Greek koleos 'sheath' + pteron 'wing'
Wings
Winged
Diet
Herbivore · Predator · Detritivore · Wood
Habitat
Terrestrial · Aquatic · Soil
Notable examples
Ladybugs, fireflies, weevils, scarabs, ground beetles, longhorn beetles, jewel beetles, rove beetles, leaf beetles.