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Coleoptera

American  
[koh-lee-op-ter-uh, kol-ee-] / ˌkoʊ liˈɒp tər ə, ˌkɒl i- /

noun

  1. the order comprising the beetles.


Etymology

Origin of Coleoptera

1755–65; < New Latin < Greek koleóptera, neuter plural of koleópteros sheath-winged, equivalent to koleo- (combining form representing koleón sheath, scabbard; -o- ) + -pteros -pterous; term used by Aristotle in describing beetles

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Across North America, there are an estimated 170 fireflies species, which are technically beetles in the order Coleoptera, but inventorying them is a challenge.

From Salon • Sep. 21, 2023

And the order Coleoptera couldn’t ask for a better Boswell than Durin.

From New York Times • Dec. 2, 2013

The Coleoptera order, where beetles reside, has more species than any other order: it takes an encyclopedic knowledge to know beetles well.

From New York Times • Nov. 13, 2012

Insects the larvæ of which live in wood are particularly subject to verdigris, as the Cerambycidæ and Elateridæ in Coleoptera, the Uroceridæ in Hymenoptera and Sesiidæ in Lepidoptera.

From Directions for Collecting and Preserving Insects by Riley, C. V.

Young Oak trees or Oak shrubs are much more preferred by the leaf-eating Coleoptera peculiar to this tree than the older trees.

From Directions for Collecting and Preserving Insects by Riley, C. V.