Beetles: Earth’s Most Diverse Insects

Beetles are the largest group of insects on Earth, representing one-quarter of all living organisms and one-third of all animals. They are represented by nearly 350,000 species and more than 150 families. The longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) are a family of beetles characterised by their extremely long antennae, which is often longer than the beetle’s body. The antennae have sophisticated receptors to detect food, locate egg-laying sites and assess temperature and humidity. Male beetle species that rely heavily on specific scents or pheromones to locate mating partners usually have elaborate antennal structures to increase their powers of smell.