The world of beetles

The giraffe weevil (Cycnotrachelus flavotuberosus). Weevils are a type of beetle and they are a menace to crops.

Water beetle. The Cherokees believed that this beetle created the earth.

Mehearchus dispar of the family Tenebrionidae. The Eleodes beetle of Mexico belongs to this family.

Net-winged beetle. Forty per cent of all animal life on the earth is beetles and weevils.

Tiger beetle, Cicindela catena.

Tiger beetle, Cicindela (Cosmodela) cf. aurulenta.

Stag beetle, family Lucanidae.

Stag beetle, Odontolabis sp.

Chafer, Dicronocephalus wallichii.

A male rhinocerous beetle, Xylotrupes gideon. It hisses when disturbed but is harmless.

A beetle with its elytra, or forewings, open, exposing its inner membranous wings that are used for flying.

Scarabs were revered by various cultures, especially the ancient Egyptians. An Indian scarab, Mimela sp.

Scarabs were revered by various cultures, especially the ancient Egyptians. An Indian scarab, castor seed beetle (Anatona cf. stillata).

Scarabs were revered by various cultures, especially the ancient Egyptians. An Indian scarab, Melolontha sp.

Click beetles are generally nocturnal and are plant feeders. Here, a click beetle of the Cryptalaus species.

Click beetles are generally nocturnal and are plant feeders. Here, a click beetle of the Cryptalaus species.

The colours of jewel beetles (here, Chrysochroa sp.) are produced because of the phenomenon of interference of light when it falls on their elytra.

The colours of jewel beetles (here, Chrysochroa sp.) are produced because of the phenomenon of interference of light when it falls on their elytra.

Jewel, or metallic wood-boring, beetle (Catoxantha opulenta).

Scarab, Popillia cupricollis.

Scarab, Mimela sp.

Scarab, Anomala sp.

Scarab, Anomala sp.

Scarab, Anomala sp.

Scarab, Popilllia cyanea.

Light falling on the chitinous layers of a beetle's elytra produces shining colours, which are called structural colours, and they do not fade. This is a concept carmakers are studying for use in car paint. Here, Popillia sp.

Light falling on the chitinous layers of a beetle's elytra produces shining colours, which are called structural colours, and they do not fade. This is a concept carmakers are studying for use in car paint. Here, Trigonophorus sp.

Light falling on the chitinous layers of a beetle's elytra produces shining colours, which are called structural colours, and they do not fade. This is a concept carmakers are studying for use in car paint. Here, a leaf chafer (Rutelinae family).

Australian jewel beetle (Julodimorpha bakewelli) trying to copulate with a beer bottle. Researchers found that beetle numbers were declining because the male beetles were dying while trying to mate with the bottles, which they mistook for the female of the species. Australian beer companies solved the problem by changing the design and colour of the bottles.

Stag beetle, Prosopocoilus cf. occipitalis.

Stag beetle, Hexarthrius sp.

A beetle (family Meloidae) showing reflex bleeding from a joint, that is, it produces the poisonous substance cantharidin. This is a a defence mechanism in many beetles.

Pollinator beetles in an arum plant.

Leaf-chewing beetle.

Defoliator beetle, Calopepla leayana.

The beetles of the family Chrysomeloidae (leaf beetles) also have iridescent elytra. Here, a leaf beetle of the Merista species.

The beetles of the family Chrysomeloidae (leaf beetles) also have iridescent elytra. Here, a leaf beetle of the Merista species.

Insects are capable of adapting to changing habitats as their survival for millions of years has shown. Here, a leaf beetle.

Insects are capable of adapting to changing habitats as their survival for millions of years has shown. Here, a leaf beetle.

Studies indicate that the diversity of dung beetles is on the decline in India and in Europe. Dung beetle, Paragymnopleurus sp.

Studies indicate that the diversity of dung beetles is on the decline in India and in Europe. Dung beetle, Copris magicus.

Studies indicate that the diversity of dung beetles is on the decline in India and in Europe. The elephant dung beetle, Heliocopris dominus.

Dead prawns cleaned up in 30 minutes by scavenging scarab beetles in a forest in Arunachal Pradesh. The site at 7:30 p.m.

Dead prawns cleaned up in 30 minutes by scavenging scarab beetles in a forest in Arunachal Pradesh. The site at 9 p.m.

White beetle.

Palm weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus.

A weevil pest on an okra (ladies' finger) plant.

Leaf-rolling weevil, family Attelabidae.

The elytra of weevils are so finely designed that any sculptor who sees them would likely break into a dervish whirl.

The elytra of weevils are so finely designed that any sculptor who sees them would likely break into a dervish whirl.

The elytra of weevils are so finely designed that any sculptor who sees them would likely break into a dervish whirl.

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The giraffe weevil (Cycnotrachelus flavotuberosus). Weevils are a type of beetle and they are a menace to crops.
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