Coleoptera

[ koh-lee-op-ter-uh, kol-ee- ]

noun

1. the order comprising the beetles.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Coleoptera¹

1755–65; < New Latin < Greek koleóptera, neuter plural of koleópteros sheath-winged, equivalent to koleo- (combining form representing koleón sheath, scabbard; -o- ) + -pteros -pterous; term used by Aristotle in describing beetles

Example Sentences

Across North America, there are an estimated 170 fireflies species, which are technically beetles in the order Coleoptera, but inventorying them is a challenge.

From Salon

The largest group of newly described species are Coleoptera, or beetles, found in places including Japan, Malaysia, Kenya and Venezuela, with scientific associate Dr Michael Darby naming the Nelloptodes gretae after Thunberg.

From The Guardian

Dr Max Barclay, senior curator in charge of Coleoptera at the Natural History Museum, said: “The name of this beetle is particularly poignant since it is likely that undiscovered species are being lost all the time, before scientists have even named them, because of biodiversity loss – so it is appropriate to name one of the newest discoveries after someone who has worked so hard to champion the natural world and protect vulnerable species.”

From The Guardian

In his 1872 essay The Poet at the Breakfast Table, Oliver Wendell Holmes has his self-important entomologist mock the childish simplicity of moths and lacewings before the serious complexity and obvious importance of the beetles – “Lepidoptera and Neuroptera for little folks; and Coleoptera for men, Sir!”

From The Guardian

The phrase “they come in all shapes and sizes” could have been coined just for the Coleoptera — the beetles.

From The Guardian