Have you ever noticed an insect with a hard exoskeleton and not been sure if it was a beetle or a scarab? If so, you’re not alone! Beetle and scarab are two types of insects in the Coleoptera order that are often confused for one another.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the differences between beetles and scarabs, such as their characteristics, size, color variations, habitat, and even their ability to roll balls of debris.
Get ready to become an expert on beetles and scarabs!
Table of Contents
Short Answer
Beetles and scarabs are both members of the insect order Coleoptera.
Beetles have a wide variety of shapes and sizes and are found in almost every habitat.
Scarabs, however, are a specific type of beetle which are usually identified by their dung-rolling behavior.
They are usually larger and more robust than other beetles and have a more oblong shape.
They are also usually brightly colored or patterned while other beetles are usually of a single color.
Types of Insects in the Coleoptera Order
The Coleoptera order is the largest order of insects, with over 400,000 species categorized under it.
It includes a wide variety of insects, such as beetles, weevils, longhorns, and scarabs.
Beetles are the most popular and well-recognized species in this order, and can be found in almost every climate.
They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, and have a wide range of behaviors and adaptations.
Weevils are small herbivorous beetles that feed on plants and are found in temperate areas.
Longhorn beetles are characterized by their long antennae, and can be found in tropical and subtropical regions.
Finally, scarabs are a type of beetle that are typically larger than other beetles in the Coleoptera order, and have a distinctively shaped head and thorax.
They are usually black or dark brown in color, and are limited to certain climates.
Additionally, they are known for their ability to roll balls of dung and other debris.
Beetle Characteristics
Beetles are among the most diverse organisms on the planet, with an estimated 350,000 species worldwide.
They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, and can be found in almost every climate.
Beetles have hard outer shells that protect them from predators and environmental hazards.
They have compound eyes, which give them excellent vision, and long antennae that help them detect smells and vibrations in the air.
Beetles also have powerful mandibles that allow them to chew through tough materials.
Beetles are omnivores and feed on a variety of plant and animal matter, including fruits, vegetables, and other insects.
They are also known to be pollinators, helping to spread pollen from one plant to another.
Scarab Characteristics
Scarabs are one of the more easily identifiable insects in the Coleoptera order, due to their distinct characteristics.
While their size and color can vary, they are typically larger than other beetles and are dark brown or black in color.
They have a distinctively shaped head and thorax, with large, curved horns on the head and a prominent thorax.
Scarabs also possess unique features such as their ability to roll balls of dung or debris, which is something that other beetles are not able to do.
This is due to the unique shape of their legs, which are designed in a way that allows them to carry large objects.
Additionally, scarabs are much more localized than other beetles, and are generally found in tropical climates and regions with abundant vegetation.
Size Comparison Between Beetles and Scarabs
When it comes to size comparisons between beetles and scarabs, the latter are generally larger than the former.
Beetles come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors and can be found in almost any habitat.
However, scarabs are limited to certain climates and tend to be darker in color, usually black or dark brown.
Scarabs are typically larger than beetles, with a more distinctively shaped head and thorax.
Moreover, scarabs are known for their ability to roll balls of dung and other debris, which beetles do not possess.
This is due to the fact that scarabs have a flattened body and strong legs that allow them to easily transport materials.
In contrast, beetles have a rounder body and weaker legs that make it difficult for them to move large objects.
Consequently, beetles are more likely to feed on small insects, while scarabs are more likely to feed on larger pieces of organic matter.
Color Variation Among Beetles and Scarabs
When it comes to color variation, beetles and scarabs offer two very different spectrums.
Beetles come in a wide array of colors, shapes, and sizes, often ranging from red and yellow to black.
This diversity of colors and shapes is also seen in the type of beetle, with some being very small and others reaching lengths of up to four inches.
On the other hand, scarabs are typically limited to certain climates and are generally black or dark brown in color.
This is due to their adaptation to their environment, as darker colors better absorb heat and give them an advantage in colder climates.
Additionally, scarabs are typically larger than beetles, with some species reaching up to three inches in length.
This size difference is also due to their adaptation to their environment, as larger insects are able to better endure colder temperatures.
Beetles vs. Scarabs Habitat
When it comes to the habitat of beetles and scarabs, there are some key differences to consider.
Beetles can be found in nearly every climate, from tropical to temperate.
They can also be found in a variety of habitats, from forests, deserts, and grasslands to urban areas.
Scarabs, on the other hand, are typically limited to tropical and subtropical climates.
In addition, they are mostly found in open areas with sandy or muddy soils, such as grasslands, deserts, and cultivated fields.
This is likely due to the fact that scarabs rely on their ability to roll balls of dung or other debris to survive, and these types of habitats offer the most suitable conditions for them to do so.
Beetles vs. Scarabs Ability to Roll Balls of Debris
When it comes to the differences between beetles and scarabs, one of the most obvious is their ability to roll balls of debris and dung.
While both insects belong to the Coleoptera order, only scarabs possess the amazing capability to roll balls of debris.
This behavior is a fascinating sight to behold, and it is one of the most distinguishing characteristics of the scarab.
This is because scarabs have a pair of specialized mandibles that allow them to roll and gather debris into a compact ball.
The balls are then used as a food source as well as a place for the scarab to lay its eggs.
Beetles, on the other hand, do not possess the same ability to roll balls of debris.
Although some species of beetle may use debris and dung for food, they do not have the ability to roll them into a tight ball.
As such, this is a key difference between beetles and scarabs.
It is also important to note that scarabs are typically larger than beetles, and have a distinctively shaped head and thorax.
This characteristic, along with their ability to roll balls of debris, makes them easy to distinguish from other insects.
In summary, beetles and scarabs are both insects belonging to the Coleoptera order, but there are some key differences between the two.
While beetles come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors and can be found in almost every climate, scarabs are limited to certain climates and are generally black or dark brown in color.
Additionally, scarabs are larger than beetles, and have a distinctively shaped head and thorax.
Most importantly, only scarabs possess the ability to roll balls of debris and dung, while beetles do not possess this trait.
Final Thoughts
Beetles and scarabs may seem similar at first glance, but they have some distinct differences.
Beetles come in many shapes, sizes, and colors, and can be found in almost any climate.
Scarabs, on the other hand, are limited to certain climates and are generally black or dark brown in color.
Additionally, scarabs are typically larger than beetles and have a distinctively shaped head and thorax.
Lastly, scarabs are known for their ability to roll balls of dung and other debris, while beetles do not possess this trait.
Now that you’re armed with this comprehensive guide, why not go explore and see the beetles and scarabs in your area?