Coleopterology

/ˌkoʊliˌɒptəˈrɒlədʒi/ noun

Definition

The scientific study of beetles, including their classification, behavior, and biology.

Etymology

From Greek 'koleos' (sheath) + 'pteron' (wing) + '-logy' (study of). Beetles have hardened front wings that form a protective sheath over their flying wings, which is how the name originated. The modern scientific discipline developed in the 18th-19th centuries as entomology expanded.

Kelly Says

Beetles are the most successful animals on Earth—one in four known animal species is a beetle! Coleopterologists have described nearly 400,000 beetle species, yet scientists estimate there could be millions more undiscovered, especially in tropical rainforests.

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