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Identification
The primary identifying characteristic of mature beetles is the presence of two distinct pairs of wings. The forewings, known as elytra, are leathery and tough in appearance, while the hindwings are made of a thin membrane. The elytra protect the hindwings from environmental and predatory attacks. Immature beetle larvae have more variety, but typically possess a soft body and three pairs of legs.
Suborders
Of the four suborders of beetles (myxophaga, archostemata, adephaga, polyphaga), polyphaga contains 85 percent of known beetle species. Fireflies, scarabs, weevils and ladybugs are commonly found members of the polyphaga suborder. Myxophaga is the smallest suborder, with under 100 species. Beetles in the adephaga suborder are carnivorous and feed upon other insects and animals. The suborder archostemata contains beetles associated with wood environment and feeding habits.
Impacts
Beetles eat a variety of foods for sustenance, though a number of species feed solely upon vegetation. Among those that eat plants, many species are pests to agricultural industries, feeding on crops intended for human consumption. However, some beetles are used to control pest population: they will feed upon disruptive species to prevent crop damage. A few species of beetles also can carry and transmit diseases between plants and animals.
Characteristics
In addition to being one of the most numerous species on the planet, they also possess some of the most incredible physical diversity; for example, beetle body sizes range from under one-sixteenth of an inch to larger than 8 inches. The rhinoceros and goliath beetles are two of the largest beetle species. Some beetles also have unusual or unique characteristics; fireflies light up, for example, while others are brilliantly colored.
Life Cycle
The length of time required for maturity varies and is highly dependent on climate; the average lifespan of beetles can exceed 230 days, with cool climates requiring a longer maturation period. The complete life cycle of a beetle (from egg to mature adult) is between 21 and 27 days.
Egg Laying and Maturation Stages
During their lifetime, mature female adults will lay up to 230 eggs, typically at a rate of three eggs at a time. They lay their eggs typically where the larvae will have access to a food source when hatched. A larva emerges from the egg (incubation time varying from species to species), which then develops into a pupa. The pupa will usually darken in color as it matures and the mature beetle emerges through a process that takes at least four days.