Coleoptera

Pronunciation: /koh-lee-OP-tur-ah/

Category: Taxonomy

Singular: Coleopteran

Plural: Coleopterans

Definition

An order of insects that comprises the beetles, characterized by their hard forewings called elytra that cover and protect the softer hindwings and abdomen.

Etymology

From Greek 'koleos', meaning 'sheath', and 'pteron', meaning 'wing'.

Example

Coleoptera is the largest order in the animal kingdom, encompassing species like the ladybug and the ground beetle.

Synonyms

Beetles

Related Terms

Elytra
Larvae
Insecta

Usage Notes

Coleoptera includes over 350,000 described species and is characterized by a wide range of habitats and behaviors.