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Beetles
ANIMAL FAMILY
This is the largest group of insects, with over 350,000 known
species. Of these, 4,000 occur in Britain. Some are very small,
others are relatively large.
Most beetles can fly, but they spend much of their time on the
ground or in low vegetation. They have colonised almost all
habitats and exploit many different food sources.
Beetles can be plant feeders, scavengers, predators or
parasites. The larvae and, sometimes, adults of certain species can
be serious pests. Conversely, some – such as ladybirds
– are allies in the garden, consuming other insect pests.
Insects