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Coleoptera
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African goliath beetle African goliath beetle (Goliathus giganteus).

Coleoptera

insect
Also known as: beetle, coleopteran
Written by
Judson Linsley Gressitt
Director, Wau Ecology Institute, Papua New Guinea. Distinguished Chair of Zoology, Bernice P. Bishop Museum, Honolulu. Coauthor of Chrysomelidae of China; Insects of Campbell Island.
Judson Linsley Gressitt
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Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....
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•History

Coleoptera, (order Coleoptera), insect order comprising more than 400,000 species of beetles and weevils. It is the largest order of insects, representing about 40 percent of the known insect species, and the largest animal order. Coleopterans are many of the largest and most conspicuous insects, some of which also have brilliant metallic colors, showy patterns, or striking form. Beetles can usually be recognized by their two pairs of wings; the front pair is modified into...

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