| Beetle
Larva
These belong to the order Coleoptera
(coll-ee-op-terra), which means sheathed wings. It comes
from the Greek words "koleos," (sheath), and
"ptera," (wings). The name refers to the hardened
front wings, which cover the folded hind wings like
a sheath. The plural of larva is larvae.
What they look like:
Beetle Larvae come in many different types, so it is
difficult to give a precise description. They are generally
segmented and cylindrical with six legs and a distinct
head.
Size:
2-20 mm long.
Where they live:
They live in a large range of habitats; often found
in mountain streams or slow moving rivers, puddles,
dams and lakes.
What they eat:
Beetle Larvae eat plant or animal matter. They usually
have biting mouth parts.
Pollution
tolerance: Tolerant, rating 4
Beetle Larvae cannot tolerate low levels of dissolved
oxygen. |
What’s interesting about
Beetle Larvae?
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