Coleoptera

American  

[koh-lee-op-ter-uh, kol-ee-] / ˌkoʊ liˈɒp tər ə, ˌkɒl i- /

noun

1. the order comprising the beetles.

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Etymology

Origin of Coleoptera

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 • Sep. 21, 2023

And the order Coleoptera couldn’t ask for a better Boswell than Durin.

From New York Times • Dec. 2, 2013

The Coleoptera order, where beetles reside, has more species than any other order: it takes an encyclopedic knowledge to know beetles well.

From New York Times • Nov. 13, 2012

If the decay is very much advanced neither the loose bark nor the interior of the log will harbor many Coleoptera excepting a multitude of Passalus cornutus and its larvæ.

From Directions for Collecting and Preserving Insects by Riley, C. V.

General Directions.—Owing to their hard outer skeleton, Coleoptera can be collected, handled, and preserved with greater safety and with less trouble than most other orders of insects.

From Directions for Collecting and Preserving Insects by Riley, C. V.