What is the largest group of insects in the world?

The largest group of insects on Earth is called Coleoptera, or beetles. There are 4 distinct suborders of beetles, and they number close to 4 million. You can find beetles everywhere but in the oceans and in the most frigid places.

Beetles are a huge part of the food chain, making up a large portion of the diet for many types of vertebrates and invertebrates. All beetles have an exoskeleton, and many species have armor-like shells that look quite formidable. Still, all follow the basic insect form of a head, thorax, and abdomen.

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67 Comments

Gery Tilly

I find that hard to believe. There were only 4 Beatles. 5 if you’re a purist.

John Hemstock

more than 4 million ants in my back garden...

Randy Dummer

Unclear what "largest" means in the question.

Terry Clark

The question was what is the largest group of insects not what has the largest population therefore the answer in this case is correct being beetles. Group usually refers to subspecies.

Michael Fulthorpe

Randy Dummer, it says "largest group" fairly straight forward question, not largest amount or anything else.

d p catalano

Luv those lady bugs! 😎

Jill Pearson

I figured, sine beetles encompass so many different bugs. Ladybugs are beetles but people dot usually think of them as such.

LevibatteryCSA (Dave)

I think the answer is wrong according to Nature a program on TV there is more Butterflies.

earlepg

It seems that the picture not only gives the answer, but provides a clue with all the different SPECIES included.

Don Woodworth

When biologist J.B.S. Haldane was asked what his studies had taught hm about the creator he is reputed to have answered "He Has an Inordinate Fondness for Beetles"

Francie Carlson

i love disillusion carol! did a search! the largest group of insects is cockroaches. however since it wasn't listed as an answer choice, i went the with number 2-beetles.