Beetles

Beetles which has the scientific name called Coleoptera are one of the largest classes of insects in the world, they count about 40 percent of insects, they also have more than 360,000 species, they have many shapes and colors, some of them have wonderful metallic colors, cheerful and surprising shapes Beetles attract attention for many different reasons such as economic importance, size, abundance, appearance and wonderful habits, first of all when dealing with insect infestation, it is very important to know some basic information about it, the shape of the insect, its life cycle, its different habits and how to get rid of it.

Beetles identification

Beetles can usually be identified by the pair of wings, large beetles cause loud noises while flying, many of them are attracted to light at night, some of them live in a water environment, some of them live in association with ants, beetles differ greatly in size ranging from a part of a millimeter to more than 200 mm (about 8 inches) in length. Adult beetles body varies according to their type, some are primitive and have a flat oval and regular grooves, it has an antenna,

slim Legs with  mouth designed for biting and chewing, water beetles has an oval body, smooth and flat shape, antennae either short or very thin, the front legs are short they use their hair for swimming, the beetles have a solid body that you use as a shield and protects them from external factors, Some beetles have membranous wings that are used in flight and in other species they are folded and do not use them.

larvae have a variety of shapes and sizes depending on where they live and the food they eat. Larvae generally have a well-defined head capsule that is very hard and has short antennae and a chewing mouth piece. Legs may be present or absent, and beetles and cockroaches are often confused but can be distinguished Through the modified front wings and converge in a straight line to the lower back.

life cycle of beetles

Beetles take a few weeks to several years during their life cycle, eggs are usually placed near the food source in the soil or on the host plant and this depends on the species, number of eggs that were laid depends on the type and may range from one or two to Hundreds of eggs, after hatching, the larvae develop through a series of commonly known stages of growth ranging from 3 to 5 stages before reaching the final shape of the adult insect.

 What do Beetles eat?

Beetles are generally called herbal insects, although some adult beetles do not feed at all, the majority feed on plants such as nectar, tree leaves, woods, seeds, some may feed on rotting woods, dung, fungi, or leaf litter,  some species are predators,They feed on larvae and adult beetles.

Where do beetles live?

Many families of beetles live in fresh water, some types of beetles can be found in the soil near leaf or under the bark of dead or decomposing trees or under stones and fungi, some species live in caves while you live Other species in vertebrate nests, some of which are social insects such as termites that live in man-made environments such as homes, gardens, grain storage areas, and in water environments, beetles can be found in temporary pools or between saltwater currents and mud flats. To find them in the sand or gravel or mud at the edges of streams and ponds on the sea shore or between rocks and coral reefs in the tidal area.

Do beetles harm humans?

Many types of beetles harm gardens and plants in the case of severe injuries, they eat plants and damage leaves, trees and fruits, they may damage agricultural crops in gardens and fields, they feed on the roots of plants and seeds and can stop the growth of some plants, which harms humans, and in cases In which beetles infest the homes, they cause a lot of inconvenience and fear to homeowners, which requires their elimination as soon as they are discovered before large numbers of outbreaks occur.

How to get rid of beetles?

• You can kill beetles in the gardens through the Nematodes worm, which can feed on the beetles in the soil and get rid of them immediately.
• Spraying anti-beetle insecticides that can kill them immediately.
• use neem oil directly above the beetles, and it can also be sprayed at home as a repellent of beetles and many other harmful insects.
• Use liquid soap and water that is effective in eliminating beetles and other insects.
• Cover plants with a suitable cover so that the beetles do not infiltrate and destroy it.
• disinfection to your house using strong disinfectants.
• Use a vacuum cleaner to get rid of beetles and eggs in carpets and floors.