Beetles are insects. They make up one of the
biggest groups of insects. There are about 300, 000 kinds of beetles. They live
everywhere except in the ocean. You can find beetles in the house, in the yard,
in the forest, even in ponds.
Like all insects, beetles have six legs. They
have two pair wings, but they use only the back pairs of wings for flying. The front
wings re like tough shields. They protect the beetle’s body. Some beetle burrow
underground. Some swim and dive.
Beetles come in all shapes and sizes. Some are
long and thin, other are round. Some are brightly colored; others are dull
brown or black. Some beetles are so small you can hardly see them, but the
biggest beetles are as big as your hand.
Many beetles hunt other insects for food. Other
beetles eat plants. Farmers dislike some beetles because they eat crops. However,
many beetles are useful, like the ladybug. It eats harmful insect. Some beetles
help clear way nature’s garbage. They eat dead plants and animals.
