Which order includes beetles?

The order that includes beetles is Coleoptera. This classification encompasses a vast group of insects known for their hardened forewings, called elytra, which protect their delicate hindwings and bodies beneath. Beetles are incredibly diverse, with over 350,000 species identified, making them one of the largest orders in the animal kingdom.

Hymenoptera, which includes bees, ants, and wasps, is distinct for its two pairs of membranous wings and specific life cycles involving complex social structures. Lepidoptera, on the other hand, refers to moths and butterflies, recognized by their scaled wings that often display vibrant colors. Diptera includes true flies, characterized by a single pair of wings and a two-winged structure, which differs significantly from the anatomy of beetles. Each of these orders contains unique characteristics and species that set them apart from Coleoptera, confirming that beetles accurately belong to the order Coleoptera.