Beetles are one of the largest groups of insects, with more than 12,000 species living in the United States alone. There is a wide variety in physical features, habits, and food preferences, but all beetles share a few of the same characteristics, including having a pair of hardened, thickened wings that cover and protect their more delicate second pair of wings. The wing covers meet at the middle of the beetle’s body and create a distinctive straight line. Beetles have also all have a well-developed antenna, chewing mouthparts, a pair of compound eyes.
Different things will attract different types of beetles to a property; because depending on their species these insects feed on a variety of things. Wood, fabrics, and drygoods are staples of most beetle diets.
