The Coleoptera, commonly called beetles, are by far the largest order of insects. More than 420,000 species are described worldwide, making up about 40% of all known insects species and almost 25% of all known animals. This large order includes diving beetles, ladybugs, stag beetles, weevils and ground beetles. Beetles occur in all terrestrial habitats including dry regions, tropical forests and freshwater or beach environments, except in the Polar Regions. Some species are herbivores, eating flowers, fruits, roots, leaves, buds and seeds, whereas other beetles are carnivorous, feeding on insects and animal corpses. Some are xylophagous, which means they consume wood. Through this photo gallery, explore a small part of our beetle collection and note the diversity in shape, size and color of the largest insect order.