This page displays the sixteen Coleoptera records currently available within the Entophiles database. Select one of the thumbnail photographs of beetles below to access the descriptive record for this insect. Beetles are characterized by a pair of hardened forewings. Known as elytra, they form a protective casing for the membranous hind wings and usually meet in a straight line along the back of the abdomen. Most beetles have well developed chewing mouthparts. Beetles exploit almost every ecological niche and exhibit a tremendous range in size.