The eggs hatch into a larval stage that is wingless. The larva feed and grow, and eventually change into a pupal stage. The pupa does not move or feed. Eventually the pupa transforms into an adult beetle. Female beetles usually lay dozens or hundreds of eggs. Reproduction is often timed to match the time of most available food.
Adult beetles mate, and the female lays eggs on or very near a food source for her larvae. Some beetles collect a supply of food for their larvae, and lay the egg in the ball of food. Some scavenger beetles even feed their babies. Most beetle species complete their lives in a single year. Some, especially larger ones, live for more than a year, hatching in summer, a few months to a year or more as a larva and pupa, and then emerging to reproduce as an adult.
Most beetles are active at night, but some are active in daylight especially if they have chemical defense. Often they time their growth and reproduction so all the adults emerge at once, and for a short time you can find lots of a particular species. Most beetles communicate with other beetles with chemicals. Males often locate females by their scent. Beetles usually can't see very well. Some beetle make sounds, usually scraping their mouthparts together or rubbing their legs on their bodies.
Some beetles that live in dead wood drum and make vibrations. They glow in the dark to communicate. Beetles eat all kinds of food. Most are specialists in few kinds, but some, like ground beetles, eat lots of things. Most beetles eat plant parts, either leaves or seeds or fruit or wood.
Many are predators on other small animals. Some eat fungus, and there are a bunch of species that eat dung. Sometimes the larvae eat different foods than the adults do.
Most beetles hide, and many beetle larvae dig tunnels to hide in. Some rely on their hard shell. Some, like lady beetles, have toxic chemicals to repel predators.
There are even documented cases that Powderpost beetles have destroyed houses! Find more educational materials for use in your classroom, including a profile on Powderpost beetles , at the official NPMA website. These beetles have extremely flat bodies. This body shape allows them to crawl into packaged foods to eat, live and reproduce. It only takes them about weeks to grow from baby to adult and an adult Merchant Grain beetle can live up to 3 years.
Merchant Grain beetles can be found all over the world and can live in cooler climates. Despite their name, these insects do not ear grain! Once confused with a kind of beetle that does eat grain, the Merchant beetle was scientifically re-categorized, but the name stuck. These beetles get their name because they were commonly found on merchant ships, hiding in organic cargo. They are drawn to foods high in fat, such as cereals, cake mixes, macaroni, cookies and chocolate.
Merchant grain beetles are found in pantries or in food processing areas or warehouses. Merchant grain beetles can get into stored food and can contaminate food by laying eggs and leaving waste behind. Are you a school teacher looking for more fun beetle facts for kids? Find additional information on merchant grain beetles at the official NPMA website.
Beetles Did you know? Adult beetles have two sets of wings. Beetle Facts for Kids Adult beetles have two sets of wings. Female beetles usually lay dozens or hundreds of eggs. Most beetles only live for a year. JSTOR is a digital library for scholars, researchers, and students. By: Lina Zeldovich. July 31, August 8, Share Tweet Email Print.
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