Beetles (Order Coleoptera)
The order Coleoptera is the largest group in the insect world, and comprises nearly a quarter of all the described animal species on Earth. With their hardened forewings, beetles are easy to recognize and fun to watch.
Japanese Beetles - Learn About Japanese Beetles, Popillia japonica
Japanese beetles first invaded the U.S. in 1916, and quickly became a serious pest of both the home landscape and farms. Controlling this prolific pest costs over $460 million annually. The larval grub form feeds on grasses, and the adult beetles defoliate over 300 species of trees, shrubs, and herbs.
Japanese beetles first invaded the U.S. in 1916, and quickly became a serious pest of both the home landscape and farms. Controlling this prolific pest costs over $460 million annually. The larval grub form feeds on grasses, and the adult beetles defoliate over 300 species of trees, shrubs, and herbs.
Characteristics: Order Coleoptera
Most people can recognize beetles, even without any training in entomology. But what makes a beetle a beetle? Find out what characteristics place insects in the order Coleoptera, and learn about some unusual beetles.
Most people can recognize beetles, even without any training in entomology. But what makes a beetle a beetle? Find out what characteristics place insects in the order Coleoptera, and learn about some unusual beetles.
Habits and Traits of Fireflies, Family Lampyridae
Fireflies flash their Morse code signals across lawns and fields on warm summer nights. They're easy to recognize from afar, but do you know what they look like up close?
Fireflies flash their Morse code signals across lawns and fields on warm summer nights. They're easy to recognize from afar, but do you know what they look like up close?
Ground Beetles, Family Carabidae
Ground beetles hide under rocks and boards by day, and hunt insects and other invertebrates by night. Most are predatory in both the larval and adult stages, making ground beetles true powerhouses among the beneficial insects of the garden.
Ground beetles hide under rocks and boards by day, and hunt insects and other invertebrates by night. Most are predatory in both the larval and adult stages, making ground beetles true powerhouses among the beneficial insects of the garden.
Ladybugs - Family Coccinellidae
Ladybugs, also called ladybirds, are neither bugs nor birds - they're beetles. Gardeners love these familiar dome-shaped beetles, because they are voracious predators of aphids and other plant pests.
Ladybugs, also called ladybirds, are neither bugs nor birds - they're beetles. Gardeners love these familiar dome-shaped beetles, because they are voracious predators of aphids and other plant pests.
Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis)
In the eastern U.S., emerald ash borer may be the worst tree pest of all. Since its accidental introduction from Asia in the 1990's, emerald ash borers have killed millions of ash trees. Worse still, this invasive pest is spreading. Make sure you know how to identify it when it reaches your neck of the woods.
In the eastern U.S., emerald ash borer may be the worst tree pest of all. Since its accidental introduction from Asia in the 1990's, emerald ash borers have killed millions of ash trees. Worse still, this invasive pest is spreading. Make sure you know how to identify it when it reaches your neck of the woods.
Asian Longhorned Beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis)
The Asian Longhorned Beetle, an invasive pest from China, was discovered in New York and Illinois in the 1990's. So far, the only method of control for Asian Longhorned Beetles requires removing and chipping infested trees, along with potential host trees, in the area where it is discovered. A well-informed public may be our best defense against this invasive species.
The Asian Longhorned Beetle, an invasive pest from China, was discovered in New York and Illinois in the 1990's. So far, the only method of control for Asian Longhorned Beetles requires removing and chipping infested trees, along with potential host trees, in the area where it is discovered. A well-informed public may be our best defense against this invasive species.
Asian Multicolored Lady Beetle (Harmonia axyridis)
One of our most common lady beetles, the Asian Multicolored Lady Beetle, is actually a native of Asia. Now well-established across North America, this hungry predator devours aphids and other soft-bodied insects in gardens and home landscapes.
One of our most common lady beetles, the Asian Multicolored Lady Beetle, is actually a native of Asia. Now well-established across North America, this hungry predator devours aphids and other soft-bodied insects in gardens and home landscapes.
How Do Fireflies Light?
Fireflies, also known as lightning bugs, use light signals to attract mates. A complex chemical reaction in the firefly's light organ produces light energy efficiently.
Fireflies, also known as lightning bugs, use light signals to attract mates. A complex chemical reaction in the firefly's light organ produces light energy efficiently.