

To identify chewing parts, look for two pairs of shears-like jaws with a flapping labium on the front and one underneath. The two most common mouthparts found in pests are either chewing organs or piercing-sucking type. It is also important to note that bugs also feature wings just as beetles, but their wings aren’t as hard and thick as those of beetles.Īs hinted above, beetles have chewing mouthparts too. They guard the insect against environmental damage and dehydration. The frontal wings of beetles are folded underneath them, which quite explains why these beetles are also referred to as “Coleoptera” since this Latin word essentially means “folded wings.”īeetles fold their front wings to protect their back wings. These pairs of wings protect the pest from its enemies and potentially dangerous scenarios. That being said, their wings are the most distinctive feature as their forewings (elytra) are shell-like hard and thick. Like many other insects, beetles also have two pair of wings.

But a typical beetle comes with two-segmented antennae which work as a smelling organ and has significant chewing parts. With the scientific name, Coleoptera, beetles come in a wide range of sizes, shapes, and colors. So, at this point, the question that arises is how can you identify beetles without getting confused at all? While beetles are one of the most common insects in the world, they are often mistaken for other insects such as bugs. Learn to distinguish among the different types of beetles, only the largest group of insects found all over the world, and find out which ones can be a real nuisance to homeowners.
