THE COLEOPTERA IS A BIGGST ORDER IN THE CLASS INSECTA AND ALSO IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM HERE IAM DESCRIBING THE IMPORTANT CHARACTER OF THE ORDER AND ECONMOIC IMPORTANT FAMILIES COMES UNDER COLEOPTERA

1. WELCOME

2. TERM PAPER ON
COLEOPTERA
SSNAIK
M.SC.AGRIL.ENTOMOLOGY
TNAU,CBE

3. COLEOPTERA
1.Taxonomic position
2.Introduction
3.Taxonomic characters
4. Habit,Habitat and biology
5.Economic important families

4. 1.Taxonomic position

5. 1.Taxonomic position :
Living organisms
Micro organisms Plants Animals
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Arthropoda
Subphylum:Manibulata
Class:Insecta
Subclass:Pterygota
Division:Endopterygota
Group: Neoptera
Subgroup:-----------
Order:Coleoptera

6. 1(A). ETYMOLOGY&EXAMPLES....
COLEOPTERA BEETLES & WEEVILS
I.Derived: Greek
II.koleos= Sheath
Pteron= wing
SHEATHED WING=ELYTRA
Singuar:elytraon
Plural:elytra

7. 2.INTRODUCTION

8. 2.INTRODUCTION
 Largest order ( 3,30,0000 )
 In India 15000 sp.
 The largest taxonomic family is commonly thought to be
the Curculionidae (the weevils or snout beetles), but
recently the Staphylinidae(the rove beetles) have claimed
this title.
 The largest coleopteran is probably Dynastes herculeus
(Scarabaeidae)and Macrodontia cervicornis (
Cerambycidae) which measure 155 mm
 Smallest member of the order - Corylophidae and Ptilidae
(less than 0.5 mm-2.5mm).

9. Coleoptera is largest order in animal kingdom

10. Dynastes herculeus
Corylophidae Ptilidae
Corylophidae
Ptilidae

11. 3.Taxonomic
characteristics

12. Reduced EPICRANIAL SUTURE, Elongated PROGNATHOUS/ HYPOGNATHOUS.
rostrum(snout), Gula filiform,moniliform,clavate,lamellate
C.eyes: distinct but in subterranean Serrate -11 segmented.
and caverniculous reduced,Gyrinus
–upper and lower halves
ocelli: absent, medium ocelli present in the
dermestidae
Mandibles are sclerotized and variably
developed;
Prothorax , movable ,large
visible,single and undivided
pronotum
Mesothorax and metathorax are fused
with the first of the abdominal segment
SmalI part of MESOTHORAX is
present at the base of the
elytra.
Abdomen is sesile first 8
TERGITES are commonly visible.
5-7 STERNITES are visible Terminal abdominal segments are
Fore wings are heavily sclerotized
veinless,and hardened –elytra.-mid dorsal line
Memebranous hind wings
retractile,tubular,and function as an ovipositor
Concealed into the abdomen.
Tubular evagination of the 9&10
STERNITES -AEDEGUS STRIDULATORY ORGANS –mandibles and
maxilae/head and thorax

13. 1.HEAD MODIFICATIONS
A.SHOVEL
Scarabaeus viettei
B.ROSTRUM /SNOUT
WEEVILS

14. C.HORNS Prothorax modification
Frons and vertex

15. 1.A COMPOUND EYE MODIFICATIONS
 Gyrinidae –Gyrinus sp.– upper and lower halves

16.  Longhorn beetles (family Cerambycidae) and weevils – while many
have eyes that are notched to some degree

17. 1.B.MANDIBLES
PHYTOPHAGOUS PRAEDATORS POLLEN FEEDERS
Mandibles
short and
blunt teeth
Teeths are
absent
covered with
stiff hairs.
long and
sharply
pointed
with blade
like edges

18. 4.Habit, Habitat,General
biology

19. I.HABIT
 Detritus feeders - breaking down animal and plant debris and
flesh.
 Wastes such as dung.
 Fungi eaters
 Agricultural crop pests particular species of plants
wide range of plants
pollen, flower and fruit eaters
 parasites or parasitoids
 Important predatory species - controls of agricultural pests.
 Eg:Coccinellidae("ladybirds" or "ladybugs") consume aphids, scale
insects, thrips, and other plant-sucking insects that damage crops.

20. I.Habit………
Not only serious pests of agricultural but also Industrial pests :
 Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata )
the bollweevil (Anthonomus grandis )
 Red flour beetle(Tribolium castaneum)
Mungbean or cowpea beetle (Callosobruchus maculatus)
 Death-watch beetle the larvae of which can cause serious
structural damage to buildings by boring into the timbers.

21. II.HABITAT………………
 The diversity of beetles is very wide. They are found in all
major habitats, except marine and the polar regions.
 Including Freshwater
 Everywhere vegetative foliage is found, from trees and
their bark to flowers, leaves, and underground near roots-even
inside plants in galls, in every plant tissue, including
dead or decaying ones

22. III.GENERAL BIOLOGY: →A single female may lay from several dozen to
several thousand eggs during her lifetime
→ Eggs are usually laid according to the
substrate on which the larvae will feed upon
hatching
→loose in the substrate ,laid in clumps on
leaves individually attached ,buried in the
medium
Adults have extremely variable
lifespans, from weeks to years,
depending on the species
head is well developed and sclerotized, and the thoracic
and abdominal segments are readily distinguishable
Thoracic legs are present or absent Abdominal prolegs are
absent campodeiform, eruciform, scarabaeiform, and
apodous
Pupae are always adecticous - most
exarate In Coccinellidae, most
Staphylinidae, pupae are obtect

27. 5.ECONOMIC
IMPORTANT FAMILIES

28. COLEOPTERA
1 2 3 4
MYXOPHAGA ARCHOSTEMATA ADEPHAGA POLYPHAGA
1.Cicindelidae
2.Carabidae
3.Dytiscidae
Scavengers Stored product pests Crop pests
1.Scarabaeidae
1.Anobidae
2.Hydrophilidae
2.Bostrychidae
3.Gyrinidae
3.Bruchuidae
4.Coccinellidae
4.tenebrionidae
5.Lampyridae
1.Apionidae
2.Buprestidae
3.Cassididae
4.Cerambycidae
5.Curculionidae
6.Dynastidae
7.Elateridae
8.Galerucidae
9.Meloidae
10.Melolonthidae
Sub orders:
Families:
3.A ) CLASSIFICATION
I
II
III

29. Myxophaga Archostemata Adephaga Polyphaga
Notopleural suture
absent
Notopleural suture
present
Notopleural sutures
present
Notopleural suture
distinct
Wings folded in
basal half, but
rolled apically, with
disinct oblongum.
HW with oblongum HW with oblongum;
distal part spirally
rolled in repose
HW without oblongum
Larvae aquatic,
broadly oval with
strongly deflexed
head
Larvae campodeiform
and resemble
adephaga larvae
Larvae with 5
segmented legs with
1 or 2 claws; without
labrum; mandibles
without mola; maxilla
without lacinia;
usually with
urogomphi
Larvae with 4 or less
than 4 segmented
legs with 1 claw or
legs vestigial or
absent;

31. MYXOPHAGA
Minute, Mandibles with distinct mola;
antennae clubbed
•Notopleural suture distinct
•Wings folded in basal half, but rolled apically,
with disinct oblongum cell (a closed cell
formed by M1 and M2)
•Larvae aquatic, broadly oval with strongly
deflexed head
Notopleural suture present
•HW with oblongum
•Hind coxae immovablly fixed, dividing first
abdominal sternum
•First abdominal sternum divided
•Tarsal formula 5-5-5
Larvae campodeiform and resemble adephaga
larvae
Notopleural sutures present
•HW with oblongum; distal part spirally rolled
in repose
•First abdominal segment not divided
•Tarsal formula 5-5-5
•Larvae campodeiform and resemble
adephaga larvae
Notopleural suture absent
•HW without oblongum
•Hind coxae movable, trochanter small, in line
with coxa and femur
•First abdominal sternum not divided
•Tarsal formula variable
•Larvae with 4 or less than 4 segmented legs
with 1 claw or legs vestigial or absent;
ARCHOSTEMATA
POLYPHAGA ADEPHAGA

32. SUB ORDER 4:POLYPHAGA
I.Devourers
II.Stored grain pests
III.Crop pests

33. FAMILY :SCARABAEIDAE DUNG BEETLES
Eg: Helicopris bucehalus
Membranous mandilbles
Head is broad and flat.
Horns on head and prothorax
convex body.
Hind tibia with spur
Lamellate
antennae

34. FAMILY : HYDROPHILIDAE WATER SCAVENGER
Eg: Hydrophilus sp BEETLE
Maxillary palpi are longer than antennae
Terminal segments of antennae moderately
clubbed
Mid-ventral spine forms a "keel" along underside of
thorax

35. FAMILY : GYRINIDAE WHIRLIGIG BEETLES
Eg: Gyrinus sp
Eyes completely divided
Antennae very short, clubbed
Front legs elongate and slender
Body smooth, black, and oval

36. Gregarious surface swimmers

37. FAMILY :COCCINELLIDAE LADY BIRD BEETLES
Body oval and convex
Black with red spots or
red/orange with black spots
Tarsi appear 3-3-3

39. FAMILY : Lampyridae FIRE FLIES ,GLOW WORMS
Eg:lampyris noctilua
Antennae 11 segmented inserted close
together between hemispherical eyes
Head concealed with large pronotum
Adults with luminiscent organs on 7th in
female and 6th and 7th in males
Larvae feed on snails and slugs
Eggs, larvae, pupae, adults – luminiscent

44. II.Stored grain pests
Family 1:Anobidae: Lasioderma serricorne
Eg:Wood destroyers /Cigarette/ Deathwatch beetles
Antenna serrated
Thorax and head bent downward; gives
the insect a humped appearance.
Oval, light brown round beetle
Not striated  Straited
Elytra have minute hairs
 No hairs present
Drug store beetle
Stegobium paniceum

45. FAMILY : BOSTRYCHIDAE Grain/furniture/bamboo borers
Eg: Rhyzopertha domonica, Sinoxyln,Dinoderus (bamboo borer)
Bostrychus,Heterobostrychus
Antenna clubbed with large loose three segments
head is deflexed downwards
prominent constriction between prothorax and elytra.
Brown to blackish beetle
 Eggs (80 to 100)- surface or interspaces of cereal
grains
 The free living larva normally enters the grain after
3rd instar for pupation
 Adults are good fliers but they are not capable of
field infestation
 Infestation in bagged storage is not normally
confined to periphery.

46. FAMILY : BRUCHIDAE PULSE BEETLE
Callosobruchus chinensis, C. maculates
Serrate antenna.
Elevated Ivory Like Spots Near The
Middle Of The Dorsal Side.
Brownish grey beetle
Pygidium
 Grubs eat up the grain kernel and make
a cavity. Adults come out making exit
holes. Eggs laid singly, glued to the
surface of the grain.

47. FAMILY : TENEBRIONIDAE RED FLOUR BEETLE
Tribolium confusum Tribolium castaneum
 compound eyes are
completely notched
 antennae are not
gradually thickened
Oblong, flat, brown in colour
 compound eyes are not
completely notched
 antennae have clear –3
segmented club

49. III. CROP PESTS
FAMILY 1: APIONIDAE Eg: Ant like weevils - Sweet potato weevil, Cylas formicarius
Non-geniculate antenna
Slender bodied with elongate
snout.
Bluish brown head
Bright red thorax and
brownish legs.
Ant like

50. FAMILY : BUPRESTIDAE Jewel beetles ,Metallic beetles
Eg: Sphenoptera perotetti
Antennae is serrate
Expanded prothorax
Elongate and hard bodied insects
Dorso ventrally flattened
Body regions having the metallic luster
Boring of the stem
It is important during rainy and post rainy season.
Elongated dorso ventrally flattened grub with a globular
head burrows into the stem close to soil surface causing
drying and death of plants. When examined grub or
pupa can be seen in hollowed stem. Application of
carbofuran granules in planting row is effective.

51. FAMILY :CASSIDIDAE TORTOISE BEETLE
Eg: Aspidiomorpha miliaris
Head is concealed under the prothorax
and it is inferior in position
Prothorax and elytra are in convex wider
and form a shell.
Tip of the legs are alone exposed to outside
Tortoise like beetle
Brilliantly coloured
Posterior end of body with a forked
process usually bent upward and
forward, Larva is dorsally spiny and to
which the excreta and exvuviae attached
and forming a faecal shield

53. Examples :

54. FAMILY : CERAMBYCIDAE LONGICORN BEETLES
Eg :Mango stem borer: Batocera rufomaculata
Compound eyes are notched
Pronotum is 1- 3 lateral spines
Antennae is long as than the body
itself and it can flexed backwards
Tibia is with 2 spurs
Tarsus 5 segmented
Grubs are apodous ,elongate
cylindrical,whitish and bore in to the stem

56. Cerambycidae…………………………

57. Cerambycidae…………………………

58. FAMILY CURCULIONIDAE WEEVILS
Eg:red palm weevil Rhyncophorus ferrugineus
Mouth parts are at the tip of the rostrum
Antennae is geniculate
Head is modified into long rostrum/snout
Body is clothed with scales
Elongated trochanter
Rostrum is used as a drilling instrument to bore the wood for egg
laying.It is more developed in athe femles than in the males -males the
long snout has a tuft of hairs

60. FAMILY 2: DYNASTIDAE RHINOCEROS BEETLES
Eg : Coconut rhinoceros beetle Oryctes rhinoceros
Mandibles are bent,expanded,leaf like and
visible from the above.
Cephalic horns are present in the both the sexes
 male the horn is longer and curved .
 Female the horn is short and that is straight

62. FEMALE
MALE

63. Family :Elateridae CLICK BEETLES , WIREWORMS
serrate antenna
Pronotum is rounded anteriorly and its posterior
corners are sharply pointed
Body is elongate and cylindrical

66.  Adult is able to jump and land upon its feet while lying on its back. Each
jump is accompanied by an audible clicking sound.
 Movement of the prothorax makes the prosternal a spine to slip into the
mesosternal cavity this causes the elytra to press the against the surface and
propel the beetle into the air

67. FAMILY : Galeruscidae pumpkin beetle
Elytra soft
Tibia with one tibial spur or none
Third tarsal segment distinctly bilobed

69. FAMILY : MELOIDAE Blister beetles
Eg : Mylabris pustulata
Head is hypognathous strongly deflexed
 Neck –narrow But distinct between
head and thorax.
elytra are brightly coloured as metallic blue
,green,black.brown, transverse stripes are
common
Legs-long .tarsi is 5 segmented
Wings are well developed, elytra cover the body
incompletely and both are free

70.  Adults are on disturbence emit a defensive oily fluid
containig cantharidine chemical compound from the
apices of femur .
 Hypermetamorphosis is present.

71. FAMILY : MELOLANTHIDAE Chafer beetle ,June beetle ,white grubs
Eg : ground nut white grub :Holotrichia consanguinea
 Head is small. Labrum is well
scelorotised.
 They are stout and glossy appearance.

Adults are attracted to to light.
 They feed on tree foliage during night
and hide in soil during day time.
 Larvae are scarabaeiform and root
feeders.

72. SUB ORDER 3:ADEPHAGA
DEVOURERS
1.Cicindelidae
2.Carabidae
3.Dytiscidae

73. FAMILY 1cicindelidae: Tiger Beetles
Eg: Cicindela cancellata
Antenna arise from front of head, above the
mandibles
Mandibles long and sickle shaped
Head including eyes as wide as or wider than
pronotum
Elytra without grooves or rows of punctures
Legs are long suited for running

74. FAMILY 2: CARABIDAE GROUND BEETLES
Eg: Anthia sp, Calosoma sp
Mandibles not sickle shaped
Antenna arise more laterally on the sides of the
head between compound eyes and base of
mandible.
Elytra often with longitudinal grooves or
rows of punctures.
Brightly spotted
Hind trochanters are enlarged

75. FAMILY :DYTISCIDAE: Aquatic diving beetle
Antenna long and filiform
Middle legs arise much closer to front
Body smooth, oval and very hard
Males of some spp have suction
disc
Hind legs flattened and fringed with long hairs
Hind tarsi bear a single straight claw

76. What is the difference between the
beetles and the weevils ?

77. 2.A) Beetles Weevils
 Mouth parts typically chewing
type.
 Both pairs of wings present,
fore wing elytrate, which at
rest in straight suture when at
rest.
 Antennae
capitate/serrate/tameilate
 Tarsi 3 to 5 segmented
 Larvae oligopod
 Mouth parts chewing type but
modified into snout like
structure.
 Hind wing absent, fore wing
elytrate, immovably united.
 Antennae clavate.
 Tarsi 4 segmented.
 Larvae apodous

80. Can you?

81. 1.Which is the largest order and no of sp discovered?
2.Gregarious surface swimmers ?
3.Hypermetamorphosis?
4.Deflexed antennae ?
5.non geniculate antennae –weevil?
6.Bilobed 3rd tarsi?
7.Click sound producing family?
8.Luminiscence famiy and how many stages?
9.Posterior pronotum sharp corners?
10. Mid ventral spine on the thorax?
11. The compound produced by blister beetles ?
12.Wire worms larva which famiy ?
13. Most of the water beetles which legs involved in
predacious?
14 5-5-4 tarsal formula family?
15. Long and curved horn which gender of rhinoceros?

82. 16.Wireworms-Elyteridae
mealworms -?
flat headed borers –?
round headed borers-?
17.Cassididae examples?
18. Faecal shield is special of ?
19.Oily beetles are family?
20.Distinct neck connecting between the head and
abdomen?
21.Example for the crop pest ladybird beetle family ?
22.Which storage insects prominent deflexed head?
23.Location of mouthparts on snout?
24.Hard skinned larva?
25.Ant like coleopterans ?
26. Coleopterans belong to the sub group ?

83. 27. Singular for elytra?
29.Largest beetle length upto ?
30.Upper and lower halves present which insect compound
eyes?
31. Oblongum is formed by viens ---------------------?

84. Please identify?
Tribolium ------ Tribolium----------

85. Please identify?

86. THANKS A LOT…………
PRESENTED BY
S.SRINIVAS NAIK