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A '''beetle''' is an [[insect]] in the order ''Coleoptera'' (the largest order in the animal kingdom). This order is characterized by forewings that are modified into hardened covers over a second pair of functional wings.  

A '''beetle''' is an [[insect]] in the order ''Coleoptera'' (the largest order in the animal kingdom). This order is characterized by forewings that designed as hardened covers over a second pair of functional wings.  

Beetles can be found in nearly all environments except conditions of extreme cold such as [[Antarctica]] and at great heights. There are fewer beetle species in temperate zones than in the tropics. Beetle sizes range from less than 0.04 inches (1 mm) long to over 8 inches (20 cm).  

Beetles can be found in nearly all environments except conditions of extreme cold such as [[Antarctica]] and at great heights. There are fewer beetle species in temperate zones than in the tropics. Beetle sizes range from less than 0.04 inches (1 mm) long to over 8 inches (20 cm).  

Beetles can be helpful or destructive to man. Without dung beetles, some parts of the world would be buried in animal excrement. Beetles help to break down decayed matter. Some beetles are predators of insect pests. Some are destructive of crops and timber. Predators of beetles include other insects, bats, birds, reptiles and amphibians.

Beetles can be helpful or destructive to man. Without dung beetles, some parts of the world would be buried in animal excrement. Beetles help to break down decayed matter. Some beetles are predators of insect pests, such as the Chrysomelid beetles. Some are destructive of crops and timber. Predators of beetles include other insects, bats, birds, reptiles and amphibians.

According to a 2007 atheistic based study of beetle DNA and fossils, beetles first appeared 300 million years ago, long before the dinosaurs.<ref>[http://news.yahoo.com/s/livescience/20071226/sc_livescience/modernbeetlespredatedinosaurs Modern Beetles Predate Dinosaurs]</ref>

According to a 2007 atheistic based study of beetle DNA and fossils, beetles first appeared 300 million years ago, long before the dinosaurs.<ref>[http://news.yahoo.com/s/livescience/20071226/sc_livescience/modernbeetlespredatedinosaurs Modern Beetles Predate Dinosaurs]</ref>