Beetle Anatomy
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What classifies an insect as a beetle? All beetles share a number of anatomical
characteristics which differentiate them from other insects. These are: 1)
armoured forewings or elytra which typically meet in a straight line and provide
a protective cover over the underlying hind wings, 2) membranous hind wings
which are generally longer then and folded under the elytra, 3) the antennae are
variable in morphology and typically have 11 segments, 4) mouth parts are
designed for chewing with mandibles, 5) the number of tarsi segments ranges from
3 to 5, 6) typically 5 abdominal segments which can be
seen clearly on the ventral side and 7) beetle metamorphosis is
complete with the adults differing in appearance from the larva. |
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Beetle Anatomy - Ventral (Underside) |
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Beetle Anatomy - Dorsal (top) |
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All content in this website is copyright © R. Bercha, unless
otherwise indicated. Unauthorized use, duplication or publication prohibited without
permission. |
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