Beetles are insects of the order Coleoptera, characterized primarily by forewings modified into hardened elytra that cover and protect the membranous hindwings and dorsal abdomen. They exhibit complete metamorphosis with distinct egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages, and display extreme morphological, ecological, and trophic diversity, occupying roles as herbivores, predators, detritivores, and fungivores in virtually all terrestrial and many freshwater ecosystems. Coleoptera possess chewing mouthparts, a sclerotized exoskeleton, and typically well-developed antennae with taxonomically informative segmentation. With more described species than any other animal order, beetles are a major focus in systematics, evolutionary biology, ecology, and biodiversity research.
Animal communication can look wildly different—flashing lights, chirping calls, croaking songs and elaborate dances. But new research from Northwestern University suggests many of these signals share a surprising feature: ...
Ecology
Apr 15, 2026
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Many insects have lived in close symbiosis with bacteria for millions of years, during which time the bacteria have provided them with vital nutrients, making the mutualistic relationship so close that neither partner can ...
Evolution
Apr 1, 2026
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4
Up to half of the insects in the Amazon region could be exposed to life-threatening heat levels due to progressive, anthropogenic global warming. This is shown by a recent study by the universities of Würzburg and Bremen.
Plants & Animals
Mar 4, 2026
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46
Rove beetles have evolved a neat trick to survive. They cloak themselves in ant pheromones, allowing them to enter and remain undetected within ant colonies. But it comes with a catch. Once a rove beetle lineage evolves this ...
As Europe seeks to curb its dependence on China for rare earths, plans to mine the continent's biggest deposit have hit a roadblock over fears that mining operations could harm endangered beetles, mosses and mushrooms.
Ecology
Dec 20, 2025
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