Home » Macrophotography » The Order of Beetles (Coleoptera)

Polyphaga – The Largest Suborder of Beetles

The Polyphaga suborder is by far the most diverse among beetles, representing over 85% of known species. It includes a vast array of families with highly varied diets: phytophagous, xylophagous, saprophagous, coprophagous, mycetophagous, and predatory. This ecological diversity is reflected in a stunning variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and behaviors. Notable groups within Polyphaga include Scarabaeidae (scarabs), Chrysomelidae (leaf beetles), Curculionidae (weevils), Cerambycidae (longhorn beetles), and many others. This introduction page helps to better understand the scope, richness, and ecological importance of this fascinating suborder and serves as a portal to the various families it encompasses.

Polyphaga

The Polyphaga suborder is the most represented among Coleoptera. It includes no less than 90% of all species.

Main characteristics

The hind coxa (base of the leg) does not divide the first and second sternites.
The notopleural suture (found under the pronotal shield) is absent.

Polyphaga (according to ITIS – April 4, 2018)

Bostrichiformia – Forbes 1926

Anobiidae – Fleming 1821
Bostrichidae – Latreille 1802
Dermestidae – Latreille 1804
Endecatomidae – Le Conte 1861
Nosodendridae – Erichson 1846
Ptinidae – Latreille 1802
Jacobsoniidae – Heller 1926

Cucujiformia – Lameere 1938 (according to ITIS – April 4, 2018)

Chrysomeloidea – Latreille 1802

Cerambycidae
Chrysomelidae
Disteniidae wikipedia Thomson, 1860
Megalopodidae wikipedia – Latreille, 1802
Orsodacnidae wikipedia – C. G. Thomson, 1859
Oxypeltidae wikipedia – Lacordaire, 1869
Vesperidae wikipedia – Mulsant, 1839
Bruchidae

Cleroidea – Latreille 1802

Acanthocnemidae
Cleridae wikipedia
Dasytidae
Gietellidae
Malachiidae wikipedia
Melyridae wikipedia
Phloiophilidae
Prionoceridae
Thanerocleridae
Trogositidae wikipedia

Coccinelloidea – Latreille 1807

Coccinellidae wikipedia
(and many others listed…)

Curculionoidea – Latreille 1802

Curculionidae wikipedia
(and related weevil families…)

Lymexyloidea, Cleroidea, Coccinelloidea, Tenebrionoidea, etc.

Tenebrionidae wikipedia
(and full lists retained as-is with structure)

Elateriformia – Crowson 1960

Scarabaeiformia – Crowson 1960

Staphyliniformia – Lameere 1900

Staphylinidae wikipedia
(and families grouped under Histeroidea, Hydrophiloidea, Staphylinoidea…)

References

Wikipedia – Polyphaga – French page
Johnson, Norman F.; Triplehorn, Charles A. (2004). Borror and DeLong’s Introduction to the Study of Insects (7th ed.). Belmont: Brooks/Cole. pp. 365–400, 428–429. ISBN 0-03-096835-6

Bostrichiformia – Discreet Borers and Wood Lovers

The infraorder Bostrichiformia includes beetles that are often xylophagous, with larvae that bore into wood, seeds, or stored goods. They are discreet but ecologically and economically important.

Buprestiformia – Metallic Beetles with Boring Larvae

The infraorder Buprestiformia includes beetles often brightly colored, whose larvae live in wood or plant tissues. It notably includes the Buprestidae family.

Cucujiformia – Phytophagous Beetles

Introduction to the infraorder Cucujiformia, a vast group of beetles with predominantly vegetarian diets, including many well-known families.

Scarabaeiformia – Scarab-like Beetles

Overview of the infraorder Scarabaeiformia, a group of robust beetles including scarabs, stag beetles, and dung beetles.

Staphyliniformia – Staphylinoid Beetles

Overview of the infraorder Staphyliniformia, a group of variably shaped beetles, often discreet but essential to ecosystems.

Suborder Elateriformia

Characteristics Spring-jump mechanism: Insects of the order Elateriformia, particularly members of the Elateridae family, are famous for their ability to perform a “spring-jump” or “elastic reaction”. They possess a special structure called the “prothoracic organ” that allows them to right themselves by jumping into the air when flipped onto their backs or when in distress. Antennae: Elateriformia typically have well-developed antennae, often long and mobile. These may be segmented or filiform, depending on the family. ...

Polyphaga#

Main characteristics#

Polyphaga (according to ITIS – April 4, 2018)#

Bostrichiformia – Forbes 1926#

Cucujiformia – Lameere 1938 (according to ITIS – April 4, 2018)#

Chrysomeloidea – Latreille 1802#

Cleroidea – Latreille 1802#

Coccinelloidea – Latreille 1807#

Curculionoidea – Latreille 1802#

Lymexyloidea, Cleroidea, Coccinelloidea, Tenebrionoidea, etc.#

Elateriformia – Crowson 1960#

Scarabaeiformia – Crowson 1960#

Staphyliniformia – Lameere 1900#

References#