Beetles are a diverse group of insects that belong to the order Coleoptera, which means "sheathed wing" in Greek. They are found in almost every habitat on Earth, with over 400,000 known species. These insects have a hard outer shell called an exoskeleton, which protects their soft bodies and wings. The exoskeleton is made of a tough material called chitin and can come in a variety of colors and patterns.
Beetles have six legs and two pairs of wings, with the front pair being hardened into protective covers for the hind wings. This unique feature gives them their characteristic appearance of having a sheath-like covering over their wings. The hind wings are used for flying, while the front pair is used for balance and protection.
These insects have a wide range of sizes, from tiny beetles that are less than 1 millimeter long to large species that can grow up to 6 inches in length. They also vary in diet, with some species being herbivores, feeding on plants and others being carnivores, preying on other insects.
Beetles play an important role in many ecosystems as pollinators, decomposers, and predators. They also serve as a food source for other animals.
