Facts, Information, Scientific Name of Beetle
Let us crawl into the world of these mighty insects who are small in size but have major roles in the environment.
Common Name – Beetle
Scientific name – Coleopatra
Size – 2mm-20mm / 150 mm
Type – Insect.
Beetles are widely distributed species. There are 40,000 known species.
One can spot beetles on vegetation, leaves, the foliage of trees, flowers, Forests trees, underground, freshwater, plant tissues and on Dead plants.
Tropical Forests have a variety of Beetles.
An omnivore insect-
Herbivores beetles consume plants, roots, stems, leaves, Seeds, Nectar, Fruits, etc.
Carnivore Beetles consume flies, maggots, snails, earthworms, slugs, Dead or organic matter, fungi, Larvae etc.
The rigid and functional body parts-
The Head contains mouthparts which are projected at the ground. Mandibles are hard and used to grasp and crush food.
Eyes are at the back of the Head. Compound eyes are of Nocturnal species.
Antennae- Antennae are important body parts of beetles that have multiple sensory functions that precept the detection of motion, odour, and chemicals.
Tiger beetle uses rigid antennae to detect an obstacle in their way.
Blister Beetles use their antennas to grasp hold.
Thorax-
Thorax contains Wing, Elytra and Legs. Elytra are the hard shell-like covering for the wings present below them.
Elytra are presently lifted above the hind wings during flight.
Legs are multi-segmented. Usually, legs have 5 segments. Legs have claws at the tip.
The Legs are modified in different Beetle species according to Habitat. Legs are functioned for walking, swimming, and Digging.
Courtship and protection of young ones–
Courtship in these insects is through Pheromone communication.
There is also an insect fight for Territorial Competition.
They undergo metamorphosis. It is the process in which the Beetles are developed through stages like Egg, Larvae and Pupae and Imago (adult)
Parental care is observed in some species of Beetles. Parents patrol to avoid predators. Parents feed cooperatively to the offspring. They feed the regurgitated food to the offspring.
Beetles have different types of Defense techniques which are called ‘Anti-predator Adaptation’.
Camouflage- Beetles have an appearance that blends with the surroundings they dwell in, hence they can trick predators.
Mimicry – Beetles mimic other individuals which might be harmful to predators’ knowledge, hence predators get tricked and lure away.
Mutualism – Beetles live in a symbiotic relationship with one fungi species, in which there is equal help provided by each to survive well.
Roles in the environment.
The best pollinators are beetles.
Extreme environments are not a problem for beetles. Diapause is a period in their life cycle when there is no growth or time till an unsuitable environment.
Mountain Pine Beetles travel long distances.
Also See ⇒ Bed Bug Facts