Which order does the Soldier Beetle belong to?

Which order does the Soldier Beetle belong to?

• A. Lepidoptera
• B. Diptera
• C. Hemiptera
• D. Coleoptera

Answer: (D)

Soldier Beetles are beetles, which places them in the order Coleoptera. A key trait of this order is forewings that are hardened into protective covers called elytra, which shield the hind wings and the abdomen at rest. They also have chewing mouthparts and undergo complete metamorphosis. The other orders differ in wing structure or mouthparts: Lepidoptera have scaled wings and a coiled feeding tube; Diptera have a single pair of wings and halteres; Hemiptera have piercing-sucking mouthparts and a distinctive wing form. So the Soldier Beetle fits Coleoptera because of its beetle-specific wing protection and chewing mouthparts.

Soldier Beetles are beetles, which places them in the order Coleoptera. A key trait of this order is forewings that are hardened into protective covers called elytra, which shield the hind wings and the abdomen at rest. They also have chewing mouthparts and undergo complete metamorphosis. The other orders differ in wing structure or mouthparts: Lepidoptera have scaled wings and a coiled feeding tube; Diptera have a single pair of wings and halteres; Hemiptera have piercing-sucking mouthparts and a distinctive wing form. So the Soldier Beetle fits Coleoptera because of its beetle-specific wing protection and chewing mouthparts.