32 Interesting Facts About Beetles

Beetles come in many shapes and sizes, from small and amusing to large and intimidating. While most beetles are harmless to humans, they can pose a significant threat to agriculture—either as adults or larvae—by damaging various crops. In some cultures, these insects are even considered a delicacy and are consumed as a regular part of the diet.

Facts About Beetles

1. Scientific Name: In scientific terms, beetles are known as “Coleoptera,” which means “sheathed wing” in Greek.
2. Size Variance: The smallest beetles measure less than 0.3 millimeters in length, while the largest can exceed 17 centimeters.
3. Diversity: There are over 392,000 known species of beetles, and new species are constantly being discovered. In contrast, only about 3,000 extinct beetle species have been identified by science.
4. Largest Group of Living Creatures: Beetles represent the largest group not only among insects but also among all living organisms on Earth.
5. Study of Beetles: The scientific study of beetles is called coleopterology.
6. Global Presence: Beetles are found worldwide, except in Antarctica, the Arctic, and on some high mountain peaks.
7. Thorax Segments: All beetle species have a thorax divided into three segments, no more and no less.
8. Synanthropes: Some beetles have adapted to live near humans. These include species that feed on wool carpets, museum collections, fur coats, and antique furniture.
9. Exoskeleton: Like all insects, beetles have a body covered in chitin, which forms their external skeleton.
10. Largest Beetles: The largest beetles in the world include the titan beetle and the Hercules beetle, both of which are native to the jungles of South America.
11. Invasive Species: The Japanese beetle, which was accidentally introduced to North America in the early 20th century, has since multiplied significantly and is now widespread.
12. Larval Diet: The larvae of many beetle species feed on plant roots, posing a threat to root crops like potatoes.
13. Omnivores: Most beetle species are omnivorous.
14. Carabid Beetles: These beetles, common in Russia, are known for their aggression. They will kill potential prey even if they are not hungry and do not intend to eat it.
15. Aquatic Larvae: Some beetle larvae live underwater but spend their adult lives on land.
16. Life Cycle: Beetles go through four stages in their life cycle: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.
17. Ladybugs: Ladybugs are also beetles, and scientists have identified about 5,000 species of them.
18. Dung Beetles: Dung beetles roll dung into balls and move them to a preferred location. These beetles can carry loads that are 70-90 times their own weight.
19. Star Navigation: Scientists have found that some beetles, like dung beetles, can navigate by the stars at night.
20. Goliath Beetle: The Goliath beetle, native to equatorial Africa, can weigh up to 100 grams.
21. Longest-Lived Beetles: The jewel beetles hold the record for longevity among beetles. One documented case involves a jewel beetle larva that remained dormant for over 47 years before emerging.
22. Wings: Most beetles have two pairs of wings. The upper pair serves as a protective shell and aids in flight, while the lower, thinner wings are used for actual flying. However, some species are wingless.
23. Strongest Animals: Scarab beetles are the strongest animals in the world relative to their size, even stronger than ants.
24. Diving Beetles: Whirligig beetles live in ponds and spend most of their lives on the water’s surface. In danger, they dive underwater, carrying an air bubble on their bodies to breathe for a while.
25. Size Range: The size difference between the smallest and largest beetles in the world is nearly 800 times.
26. Largest Beetle in Russia: The largest beetle found in Russia is the relic longhorn beetle, which can grow up to 10-11 centimeters in length.
27. Venomous Beetles: Some beetles are venomous, but none of them produce venom that is deadly to humans.
28. Defensive Mechanisms: Some beetles defend themselves by “shooting” a caustic liquid, which quickly evaporates in the air and deters predators.
29. Feigning Death: Certain beetle species prefer to play dead when threatened.
30. Click Beetles: When jumping, click beetles experience a g-force of about 400 times their body weight.
31. Sexual Dimorphism: Most beetle species exhibit pronounced sexual dimorphism, meaning males and females often look very different.
32. Larval Development: Beetle larvae usually develop within a few months, but in some cases, it can take 3-5 years.