Department of Entomology

Coleoptera (Beetles)

Family Fact Sheet

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Green June Beetle - Brigham Young/VPI & SU PCD0330059

I. Background information

A. Origin of name

1. Greek - koleos, sheath; ptera, wings
2. Relates to the modification of front wings into elytra which cover the hind wings when at rest.

B. Classification

1. Suborders - 4
   a. Archostemata
   b. Myxophaga
   c. Adephaga
   d. Polyphaga
2. America north of Mexico - 115 families, 3,145 genera, 23,701 species
3. World - 156 families, ? genera, 290,000 species
4. Estimate of undescribed species - 10% in N. America
5. This is the largest order in the animal kingdom. It has approximately as many species as the entire plant kingdom including algae and fungi.

C. Common names - Beetles

D. Type of metamorphosis - Holometabolous

E. Phylogenetic relationships

1. Related to Neuroptera and Strepsiptera.
2. Arnett 1985 has included Strepsiptera as a part of Coleoptera.

II. Morphological characteristics

A. Fore wings (called elytra) thickened, leathery, or hard and brittle and usually meeting in a straight line down the middle of the back and covering the hind wings.

B. The hind wings are usually longer than the elytra and are usually folded up under the elytra.

C. Chewing type mouthparts.

III. Biological summary for the order

A. Life history

(Because of the tremendous number of species it is virtually impossible to make generalized comments about the coleopteran life history)

1. Eggs
2. Larvae
3. Pupae
4. Adults
5. Varies from four generation per year to one generation in several years. Most species have one generation per year.
6. Overwinter in any life stage though few species overwinter as eggs.

B. Habitat

1. Terrestrial, aquatic, in soil, in plants, nests, houses, ...

C. Habits (mode of existence)

1. Phytophagous, predatory, parasites, and parasitoids.

D. Collecting and preserving

1. Light
2. Sweeping, beating vegetation, and searching flowers and foliage
3. By net over water
4. Soil
5. Most beetles can be pinned or pointed.
6. Soft-bodied species in 80% alcohol. Most beetles can be put into alcohol before pinning.

F. Behavior

1. Usually males mount females and the male nips at the back of her head.
2. Pheromones have been identified for several species.
3. Sound production reported in about 50 families.

G. Significance

1. Many crop pests, as well as, stored products, forests, are attacked. Some may vector diseases (e.g., Dutch elm disease).
2. Many species are beneficial as predators (ladybird beetles).