Metamorphosis Marvels: The Life Cycle of a Beetle
Beetles are one of the most distinctive insect species due to their shell-like exoskeletons, many of which can be beautifully colored and patterned. They are incredibly diverse, coming in many different sizes that range from the size of your hand to the size of a crumb, and while many beetles are pests, many more can be beneficial to your local ecosystem - keeping your garden healthy and your back yard free from other insects. However, all beetles have one thing in common - their life cycle.
All beetles undergo a four-part metamorphosis. The stages include egg, larva, pupa and adult. Each stage is differentiated by unique characteristics, and with a little knowledge, you'll be able to tell each apart and recognize when you've found a beetle in each of the stages. Knowing what these stages are is important for pest control as well, as it will help you identify the eggs of pests as well as troublesome beetles that spend time in their larval stage.
Beetle Eggs
Beetle eggs function the same as eggs of most insects and animals - they develop the beetle for a period of time before the larva is ready to emerge. Unlike vertebrae, however, beetles can lay several dozen to hundreds of eggs - quickly causing an infestation if not taken care of, as the natural predators of these eggs are less present inside homes and other areas where beetles may populate.
Beetles typically lay their eggs during spring and fall as beetles overwinter during colder months - a process where insects like beetles sleep or wait through the more difficult-to-survive seasons of the year, much like hibernation. Each species of beetle lays a different amount of eggs, and the colors vary - though most beetle eggs will be yellow or white. Additionally, beetles will lay their eggs near food sources like dead foliage or rotting wood so that when the egg hatches, the larvae have something to feed on. Unlike vertebrates, beetle eggs hatch relatively quickly - only taking a few days to a couple of weeks.
Beetle Larvae
Once the beetle hatches from its egg, the larval stage begins. This stage is the longest stage before reaching adulthood and it can last anywhere from months to years depending on the species of beetle. Most beetle larvae look similar and can be identified by their white, worm-like appearance. Beetle larvae will have six legs at the front of their body and a long, thick white spiracle (the tail-like section of their body) ending in a dark raster (the ending section of the body).
During this stage, the beetle has only one purpose - eating. Using their small legs and tough mandibles, these beetle grubs will eat constantly in order to prepare themselves for their pupal stage. As the larva eats, it will grow much larger in size and molt as needed. These phases are known as instar phases, and each beetle larva will undergo 3 to 10 instar phases before pupating.
Beetle Pupae
Next to the egg stage, the pupal stage of a beetle is the shortest stage, ranging from a week to multiple months depending on the species. Some species of beetles pupate for multiple years, however. The pupal stage of a beetle is similar to that of other insects, including butterflies and moths. The larva will lay dormant while the exoskeleton darkens and takes shape. Unlike butterfly cocoons, beetle pupae will visibly change appearance as they develop - as the outer shell of the pupae becomes the exoskeleton.
Beetle pupae vary drastically in appearance and will often look similar to their adult forms. For example, a rhinoceros beetle will develop its distinctive horns during its pupal stage. Beetle pupae are also generally hidden as they are vulnerable during this stage, and the larva will bore a hole or cavity in wood or dirt to avoid being preyed upon by predators.
Adult Beetles
Finally, the adult stage of a beetle's development process is what we most often think of when we think of a beetle. At this point, the beetle has developed all of its trademark characteristics. Beetles come in a wide range of shapes and sizes and are much more easily identified at this stage than during their egg, larval or pupal stages. Adult beetle lifespans also vary drastically, with some species surviving for several years while others live only for the purpose of reproducing before they die. This variance and quick reproduction makes beetle infestations sometimes tricky to handle, but with professional assistance, you can eliminate problems at their source before the beetles reproduce.
Tackling Beetle Infestations
The best time to deal with a beetle infestation varies depending on the species, and the methods may change as well. Typically, adult beetles are the most problematic, though beetle larvae can also be a nuisance if they make their way to rotting wood or other infrequently maintained parts of your home. While some beetles may be easier to handle on your own, if you have a beetle infestation, it's best to call in the experts.
At MosquitoNix®, we can help you eliminate harmful beetle infestations by targeting them at all life cycles. Whether it's with true beetles like June bugs or weevils or insects that look like beetles like stink bugs, with our environmentally friendly pest control services we'll keep insects away from where they don't belong - your home.
Our pest control experts are licensed and knowledgeable, bringing their informational approaches to your problems and finding pest control solutions that work best for your home or business. With a combined 30 years of pest control experience, we'll eliminate your problem in a professional and timely manner. Contact us today to find out how we can help you tackle your beetle problem, whether it's with eggs, larvae, pupae or mature beetle adults.
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