Types of Beetles

Types of Beetles: Order Coleoptera Suborder Adephaga Ground Beetle: Pasimachus Ground Beetle: Scaphinotus Tiger Beetles Suborder Polyphaga Blister Beetles Click Beetles Bess Beetles Darkling Beetles Ladybug Pictures Leaf Beetles Longhorn Beetles Types of Insects

Beetle population estimates vary, however, experts suggest that they represent anywhere from twenty to twenty five percent of all earth's living creatures.

As the largest order (Coleoptera) of insects, their sheer size and their ability to cause extensive agricultural and forest damage puts them at the top of the entomological research agenda.

Beetle interest also extends beyond the realm of agriculture research. Arguably, beetles as a group lack the aesthetic appeal of butterflies and dragonflies, although some beetle families, such as the scarab beetles (Scarabaeidae), enjoy a prominent place in some cultures.

The top picture shows an illustration of a hercules beetle (Dynastes hercules), a large, colorful member of the family Scarabaeidae. Commonly called rhinoceros beetles, Dynastes hercules are native to Central and South America.

Two related species, the Eastern Hercules Beetle and the Grant's Hercules Beetle, live in the Southeast and Midwestern United States. The Bess Beetles also grow a horn, although not as pronounced.

From a hobbyist standpoint, identifying any one of the three hundred thousand or more types of beetle species world wide or the twenty-five thousand or so beetle species native to the United States can challenge even the best entomologists.

A quick visual image of the common ladybug offers an identification starting point. The presence of a pair of hardened wings, or elytra, that form a visible line down the center of the abdomen when the wings are folded are indicative of a beetle species.

Apart from this initial clue, beetle habitat, along with some of their physical characteristics, often serve as starting points for organizing this large and diverse group of insects. Leaf beetles, for example, live around, and feed on, leaves. Longhorn Beetles are initially recognized by their extended antennae. The giant long-horned beetle (titanus giganteus) a native of South America, not only has long antenna, but it also has a long body. Measuring up to six inches in length, it sets the record for the world's largest beetle.

The physical and habitat fit, however, is not a perfect identification guide. While ground beetles such as the tiger beetle spend most of their time on the ground, beetle species from other families, such as darkling beetles, can also be found on the ground.

In the most general terms, it's safe to estimate that over 99% of all beetle species fit into one of two beetle suborders:

• 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 recognizable species. Other flower beetles such as the longhorn beetles can often be found in and around residential areas.

To help with identification, this album contains a small sample of some common groups of beetles organized according to the suborders.

© 2009. Patricia A. Michaels