Beetles

Beetles are the most varied group of insects, with over 400,000 known species worldwide and around 4,000 found in Britain. A key feature of beetles is their hard front wings, called elytra, which meet in a straight line along the back. These wings protect the softer back wings underneath. This hard wing cover sets beetles apart from all other insects. The size and shape of beetles can be very different. Some are tiny, less than a millimetre long, while others in tropical areas can grow to more than 15 centimetres. In Britain, beetles usually do not grow larger than 5 centimetres. Beetles go through a complete life cycle, changing from larvae that often look like small grubs or worms. They live in almost every land and freshwater environment you can think of. You can find them in garden soil, old forests, animal droppings, dead animals, living plants, and even stored food. Many beetles help break down dead material, playing an important role in nature. Others are hunters that eat other small creatures, while some feed on plants.