4 Different Types of Beetles

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Beetles And Beetle Types

Currently, there are over 300,000 different types of beetle species in the world, with new and different species being discovered every year by taxonomists. It is estimated that there may be up to 12 million different species of beetle globally. Beetles make up 40 percent of all insects and around 25 percent of all known animals on Earth. In the United States alone, there are around 12,000 known species of beetles. Due to the vast number of beetle species in the world, the variety of beetle appearance and behavior is quite expansive. 

Beetles do not spread disease and are not considered harmful to humans. Some species of beetle are considered pests and can spoil dry foodstuffs, fruits, vegetables and crops. Read on to find out about 4 different types of beetles you might commonly find in or around your home in the United States. 

Weevils

Weevils (Curculionidae) make up the largest family of beetles and are the largest family of insects world-wide. They are known for their characteristically long snout. Small, typically less than 6 millimeters or 1/4 of an inch in length, weevils are herbivorous. Many weevils are considered pests due to their predilection toward damaging and decimating crops. 

Ground Beetles

Ground beetles are the largest group of beetles in North America with over 2,000 species found across the continent. Their behavior and appearance varies, but are typically black in color and are around 1/2 an inch long. Most ground beetle varieties are harmless to humans, though there are a few species that are known to pinch human skin. Ground beetles typically prefer to spend their time outdoors in moist areas or under stones, logs and leaves. 

Lady Beetles

Common to most of the United States, ladybugs, lady beetles or ladybird beetles are also commonly found throughout the rest of the world. Lady beetles have a characteristically red or orange body with black spots. They are small, round or oval in shape and typically have yellow forewings. Ladybugs feed on small insects, mites and eggs of other insects. 

Fireflies

Fireflies are also known as glow worms or lightning bugs. They produce a chemical reaction that releases light. Male firefly species each have their own distinct lightning pattern which they use to attract female fireflies. They also use their ability to create light as a defense mechanism. 

Fireflies are almost an inch long, and can be found in a wide range of colors like light red, orange, green and yellow. They are typically found in warm and moist areas and are a common sight in summer evenings of moist regions of North America and Asia. 

The first step to complete elimination of any pest is proper identification. Misidentifying any pest can lead to improper implementation of pest control methods and an elongation of any infestation. To make sure that you know what your pest problem is and to get the best plan to tackle the situation, contact a pest professional today.

Find A Pest Specialist For Beetle Control

If you are concerned about beetle control for your home, please give us a call or fill out the form on this page. PestControlExperts.com is a team of experts who are highly qualified to provide the best recommendations for you and your home, no matter which part of the United States you live in.