The beetles (order Coleoptera) is the largest order within the largest class (Insecta) of the largest phylum (Arthropoda) of all living organisms. The first beetles probably appeared over 200 million years ago and through natural selection they have spread into all terrestrial and freshwater habitats and adopted all ecological niches from parasites to scavengers and from herbivores to carnivores. Most beetles have a tough, rigid exoskelton; their front wings are hardened into wing covers (elytra) that protect the membranous hind wings. When they fly, the front wings are held open to provide lift while the hind wings beat franticly to keep the insect airborne. Beetles are popular among collectors because of their variety in size, shape, and color. You can explore some of the beetles on postage stamps by clicking on links in the left frame. |