Coleoptera

European beetles encompass a diverse group of over 20,000 species within the order Coleoptera, found across various habitats from forests to urban areas. They range in size from tiny (e.g., 1 mm featherwing beetles) to large (e.g., 7 cm stag beetles). Common families include: The predatory Carabidae (Ground Beetles) that are shiny, often black or metallic, with long legs. The Scarabaeidae (Scarabs) that include the dung beetles and chafers, with stout bodies (e.g., rose chafer, Cetonia aurata). The Cerambycidae (Longhorn Beetles) that have long antennae, wood-boring habits (e.g., musk beetle, Aromia moschata). The Coccinellidae (Ladybirds) that are round, red with black spots (e.g., seven-spot ladybird, Coccinella septempunctata). Most have hard forewings (elytra) protecting membranous hindwings, aiding flight or defense. Colours vary widely, from metallic greens to camouflaged browns, serving as warning or mimicry. They play roles in decomposition, pollination, and pest control, with lifecycles involving egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages, often spanning months to years.