Beetles (order Coleoptera) are one of the main groups
of insects. The order has more species in it than any
other order in the entire animal kingdom. 40% of all insect
species are beetles (about 350,000 species), and new species
are regularly discovered. The forewings of beetles are
transformed into hard shells, called elytra. These elytra
form an armour protecting the abdomen and the sensitive
hindwings.
|