Coleopterans

Introduction

The order Coleoptera consists of the sheath wings insects or more commonly known the beetle family. Coleoptera derived from a Greek origin, Koleos meaning sheath and ptera meaning wings. This taxon forms the largest order under the class of Insecta; containing an astonishing forty percent of the class. To date there are one hundred and twenty five different identified families with more five hundred thousand known species. It is believed that eighty to ninety percent of the order remains undiscovered and is so unidentified. (Richard E. White)Coleoptera divides to provide four suborders. These include Adephagea, Polyphaga, Myxophga and Archostemata. It was believed that they arose during the Permian period (291.5-253 million years ago) since that when the early fossil records date back to. (Coleoptera Organization, Maharaj, Bio 417 Leturenotes). The oldest beetle fossils were from the lower Permian (about 265 million years old, Ponomarenko, 1995) Members of this order are characterized or identified by their elytra which are hardened forewings which cover and protect the membranous hind wings and strong biting mandibulate mouth. Also they are noted for their lifecycle which exhibits complete metamorphosis or holometabolous development. Classification Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Arthopoda Class: Insecta Order: Coleoptera Family: Coccinellidae Genus: Hippodamia Species: Convergens

Ecology This group is cosmopolitan that is they are worldwide in diversity. They have inhabited virtually all aquatic and terrestrial habitats. These habitats include rainforest canopies, dry dessert, in

lakes, above tree lines on mountains, leaf litter, logs, soil and many others. Like all other organisms Coleoptera or beetles have important roles to play in their ecosystems. They may be food to other organisms or serve to keep other insect populations in check (predaceous beetles) they can be a menace to plants herbivores or phytophagous beetles or a menace to othersparasitic beetles. Beetles may so to aerate soil (ground) or feed on fungi (fungiculous) while others may prefer dead matter (scavengers) or egested waste-(caprophagous). They might even form beneficial relationship-mutualism. Beetles may even act as the keystone species of an environment. (Richard E. White) All in all they form and are important parts in their ecosystem. External anatomy

Since beetles are insects they would be divided into the three groupings of head, thorax and abdomen. They also possess two pair of wings and three pairs of legs, antenna and their body would have a hard chitinous exoskeleton. However beetles may also have added enhancements about their physical body. These may include: Adult Body- has hard exoskeleton with sclerites for protection and flexibility. Head which is heavily sclerotized varying in size. It possesses a mandibulate which may be projecting forward or downturned as well as well developed eyes and jaws. Antennae though used for feeling the environment it is primarily for smell. It varies among species-clavate, filliform, geruculate, moniliform, pectinate or serrate forms. May also be used for defense or mating activities. Mouthpart mandibles are pincer like Thorax- segmented. Elytra-hardened forewings used to protect the hind wings and for aerodynamics during flight Hind wings- may be reduced used for flight and are membranous.

Legs- modified for digging, swimming or walking.

Larval form General Description Grub- like body with a well develop sclerotized head capsule. Possesses short antennae and chewing mouthparts. Three pairs of thoracic legs are present. Body form varies among species. Internal anatomy Digestion and Feeding Since food is where Coleopterans like other organisms obtain energy as well as building materials then the digestive system of this order has to be designed to best complete the task as quickly and efficiently as possible. The digestive system also called the alimentary canal is located centrally in the hemocoel or body cavity. It consists of a lengthy tube which runs from the mouth to the anus. Immediately behind the mouth are the salivary glands. Most species these secrete saliva, generally a watery fluid that lubricates the food and contains a few enzymes to begin the processes of digestion. However in some carnivorous insects the saliva is composed entirely of digestive enzymes, this applies particularly to those with external digestion of the food. The canal is divided into three functional units. These include the foregut (stomodeum), midgut (mesenteron) and the hindgut (proctodeum). (Mr. Gordon Ramel) In the digestive system, the foregut which comprises the buccal cavity, esophagus and crop, is responsible for the mechanical breakdown and transport of food particles to the midgut. Here in the midgut chemical digestion and absorption takes place. Any remaining undigested food material is taken to the hindgut which comprises the colon, ileum, rectum and the rectal pads. It is this region that pilots the reabsorption of water and salts by the body. Digestion and absorption of food materials produces waste matter. Hence there must be some kind of structure which will remove such materials. The malpighian tubules located between the mid and hind guts act as the primary site of osmoregulation and excretion. (University of Florida) Coleopterans may exhibit a host of feeding behaviors which is specific to certain species. This behavior may be linked to the environment. This behavior is linked to the environment they inhabit and their adaptations to survival in that environment. Beetles may be predatory, parasitic, herbivorous (phytophagous) and scavengers. Despite their feeding specialization all Coleopterans possess strong mandibles. That is they have mouthparts for chewing.

Diagram belonging to the University of Florida showing the alimentary canal of an insect. Circulation Like all other insects, Coleopterans have an open circulatory system. This simply means that they lack the complex network of veins and arteries for blood transport as seen in vertebrates. The circulatory systems of insects play major roles in some of the bodies essential functions. It is involved in 1) transport of nutrients, hormones, as well as salts and metabolic waste 2) defense and blood clotting 3) locomotion,4) reproduction and growth and 5)molting. Thermoregulation and osmoregulation are also elements in which they system plays a role. (Maharaj, Bio 417 Leturenotes) Unlike the system in vertebrates the circulatory system of Coleopterans and other members of the taxon Insecta are related but independent of the respiratory system. The circulatory system possesses one vessel which is the dorsal vessel. This vessel is basically a tube running longitudinally through the thorax and abdomen along the inner portion of the dorsal body wall. (Maharaj, Bio 417 Leturenotes) This structure is responsible for the collection and conduction of the blood or the more commonly used term hemolymph. Since the posterior end of the dorsal vessel performs similar to that of the aorta of the heart, this segment is termed the heart in Coleopterans and other insects. This heart is quite muscular and divided into chambers which ensure that hemolymph moves in a uni-flow direction. Peristaltic contractions allow for the hemolymph to be propelled through the chambers of the heart and into the anterior section of the body. Hemolymph is able to return to the heart through the relaxations of valve of the chambers known as Ostia. (Maharaj, Bio 417 Leturenotes, University of Florida)

Diagram of belonging to the University Of Florida showing the circulatory system of an insect. Respiration Coleopterans like other insects are aerobic. This simply means they rely on oxygen for survival. Hence there must be a scheme through which Coleopterans are able to obtain much needed oxygen. The respiratory system of this taxon involves the use of a spider web of tubes and microtubules. This system is better known as the tracheal system. It is made up of a longitudinal tracheal trunk leading into a complex branching network of tracheal tubes which divide into even smaller tubes (tracheae). These tubes develop during embryonic development as invagination of the ectodermis. Air entering the spiracles which are openings located laterally on the thorax and abdomen. The rate of the flow of air in through the trachea is regulated by the constriction of the small muscles around the spiracles. After entering the body it passes through the branching network of tubes. Upon reaching the end of the branches air makes contact with a cell called the tracheole that provides the moist interface needed in the diffusion of gases into and out of the living cells. (Maharaj, Bio 417 Leturenotes)

Diagram belonging to the University of Florida showing the respiratory system of an insect. Nervous system The nervous system of the Coleopteran order is that of a typical insect. It is like in all Arthropods ventrally located. It consists a dorsal brain linked to a ventral nerve cord that consists of paired

segmental ganglia running along the ventral midline of the thorax and abdomen. Ganglia in each segment are usually fused together, as are also the double cords connecting the ganglia. These (ganglia) are linked to one another by a short medial nerve- commissure as well as connective tissue. This structure gives the appearance of a ladder with its rungs. The brain is a complex of six fused ganglia (three pairs) located dorsally within the head capsule. Each part of the brain controls limited aspect of the insects body. The brain is divided into three segments all of which controls its own individual tasks.

Reproduction and lifecycle Beetles have typical insect reproduction. The reproductive organs are located in the abdomen. The female reproductive organs are the ovaries. The unit producing the eggs are called the ovarioles.The male reproductive organ is the testes which contains a section called the follicle which is responsible for sperm production. Coleoptera may copulate several times in order to ensure continuation of the species. Females like in other insects are able to store sperm until a favorable time has reached for egg laying. There is little parental care invested other than ensuring favorable conditions for off spring survival. They are mostly r-selected organisms. Upon the laying of the eggs there is a period of wait before they hatch this period varies between species. This group goes through between 3-5 instars and exercises holometamorphosis.

Defense

Beetles like other organism may find themselves vulnerable to predators and so it is necessary for them to have ways of evading capture or defending themselves. The means of defend a Coleopteran uses depend to some extent on their environment, their adaptations for that environment and their body (shape, size, colour, etc). There are several methods of defense or in some cases evasion a beetle may use to protect themselves against predatorily harm. These include mimicry, camouflage, toxicity and active defense. Mimicry is seen in long horn beetles particularly those which resemble wasps. Camouflage is a technique used to help beetles blend into their environment. This is seen in leaf beetles and weevils. Toxicity may involve the release of toxins upon eating certain species hence thee predator may later shy away from that particular species. it may also involve the expulsion of toxic chemical or fumes upon feeling threatened. Toxic Coleoptera are usually bright in color as a means of warning predators to stay way. Seen in ladybug, blister beetles and lycid beetles. Coleoptera that utilize active defense generally have structures such as large mandibles, spines and horns which they use to turn predators to more easy prey. Unique This order utilizes bioluminescence and toxicity and has major impacts on crop destruction. Some Coleopterans cause the destruction of many farm crops. While others are predaceous and rid farmers of their phytophagous counterparts. Beetles may be used in food, medicines, preservative and in cultural beliefs as well. Reference: University of Florida; Unknown; Arthropods; http://www.entomology.umn.edu/cues/4015/morpology/; 14/10/2012 Maharaj G; Bio417 Lecture Notes Tribell Hayes; Unknown; Beetles; http://www. mrestesisthebestes/html ;14/10/2012 Dr. Kaplan L; Unknown; Coleoptera; http://www.coleoptera.org/p1058.htm; 14/10/2012 Gordon Ramel; Unknown; Insect Anatomy; http://www.earthlife.net/insects/anatabdomen.html ; 2012/10/14 Entomology UC Riverside; Aug 23, 2002; Insect Anatomy http://www.entomology.ucr.edu/ebeling/ebeling4.html; 2012/10/14 Coleoptera Organization; 15/10/2012; Coleoptera; http://coleoptera.org/p1869.htm ;22 July 2012