CHAPTER X 



The Beetles : Order Coleoptera 



The great order of sheath-winged insects to which the 

 beetles belong is one of the largest and most important 

 groups of insects. 

 Most of its mem- 

 bers have har- 

 dened wing cov- 

 ers over the true 

 wings, and the 

 whole outer sur- 

 face of the body 

 is hardened in 

 a characteristic 

 manner. The 

 larvas are grubs 

 that vary greatly 

 in form and hab- 

 its, and the pupa 

 is a quiet stage in 

 which the insect does not eat or move about. 



The feeding habits of the adult beetles are exceedingly 

 varied ; many feed upon plant tissues ; many others upon 

 animals, alive or dead. Among the plant-feeding groups 

 are some of the most troublesome, injurious insects, while 

 among the animal-feeding forms are some very beneficial 

 insects. 



131 



LARVa 



Pupa 



WHITE GRUB 



or 

 MAY BEETLE 



Egg 







Adult 



