Key to a correct identification of a beetle is the toughened, shiny and hard forewings, which looks like a shell, and is known as elytra. These protect the larger, membranous hindwing that are folded underneath. The name Coleoptera comes from the Greek words for sheath (coleo) and wing (ptera), while “beetle” comes from the Old English word for “biter” and refers to the well-developed mandibles of most Coleoptera. Beetles also have chewing mouthparts, some are carnivorous, like the ladybirds, whilst others eat plants. More help in my book THE BUGS OF HONG KONG
