Sunday, May 24, 2015

Beetles & Bugs

Beetles are a group of insects which are biologically classified in the order Coleoptera /koʊliːˈɒptərə/. The word "coleoptera" is from the Greek κολεός, koleos, meaning "sheath"; and πτερόν, pteron, meaning "wing", thus "sheathed wing", because most beetles have two pairs of wings, the front pair, the "elytra", being hardened and thickened into a shell-like protection for the rear pair and the beetle's abdomen. The superficial consistency of most beetles' morphology, in particular their possession of elytra, has long suggested that the Coleoptera are monophyletic. Growing evidence indicates this is unjustified, there being arguments for example, in favor of allocating the current suborder Adephaga their own order, or very likely even more than one.[2]

Photo of Malaysian Beetles & Bugs


Rhinoceros Beetle


Rhinoceros Beetles are believed to be the strongest creatures on Earth. They can carry about 850 times their own weight. These beetles can grow up to 13cm in length. Rhinoceros Beetles are named after the horns on their head, which resemble spikes. Only males have horns. The larger horn, the better are their chances of winning a mates attention. The horns are very strong and can pierce through the exoskeletons of insects. 

Frog Legged Leaf Beetle / Sagra buqueti


Sagra buqueti can reach a length of 25–50 mm (0.98–1.97 in). These iridescent, colorful beetles have a striking sexual dimorphism. The males are much larger and have very long and strong hind legs (hence the common name). The basic color is metallic green, with reddish and golden reflections on the elytra. Cocoons of this species can be found in the jungle on climbing vines, specifically kudzu[citation needed]. They have also been captive reared at the Berlin Zoo on sweet potato[citation needed].

Tiger Beetles 


Tiger Beetles are usually shiny metallic colours, such as green, brown, black & purple. They often have stripes like tigers. The smallest tiger beetles live in Borneo and measure up to 6mm. The largest tiger beetles live in Africa and can reach up to 44mm in length. 

Click Beetles



Insects in the family Elateridae are commonly called click beetles (or "typical click beetles" to distinguish them from the related Cerophytidae and Eucnemidae). Other names include elaters, snapping beetles, spring beetles or skipjacks. 

Scutelleridae


Scutelleridae is a family of true bugs. They are commonly known as jewel bugs or metallic shield bugs due to their often brilliant coloration. They are also known as shield-backed bugs due to the enlargement of the last section of their thorax into a continuous shield over the abdomen and wings.[1] This latter characteristic distinguishes them from most other families within Heteroptera, and may lead to misidentification as a beetle rather than a bug. These insects feed on plant juices from a variety of different species, including some commercial crops. Closely related to stink bugs, they may also produce an offensive odour when disturbed. There are around 450 species worldwide.[2]


Cicada


Cicadas belong to the order Homoptera and related to true bugs. Most species of cicada are found in deserts, grasslands and forests. Cicadas have large and colourful wings. They hold their wings in a slanting position over their abdomen, like a tent. 






































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