Which order includes beetles and weevils?

Which order includes beetles and weevils?

• A. Orthoptera
• B. Lepidoptera
• C. Coleoptera
• D. Hemiptera

Answer: (C)

Beetles and weevils belong to the same insect order because they share the defining feature of front wings hardened into protective covers called elytra that shield the hind wings and the body. These elytra meet along a straight seam, and the insects have chewing mouthparts with complete metamorphosis. Weevils are a type of beetle, so they are classified in the same order as other beetles. Other insect groups—grasshoppers and crickets (Orthoptera), butterflies and moths (Lepidoptera), true bugs like aphids and cicadas (Hemiptera)—are different orders, which is why they don’t include beetles. So, the order that includes both beetles and weevils is Coleoptera.

Beetles and weevils belong to the same insect order because they share the defining feature of front wings hardened into protective covers called elytra that shield the hind wings and the body. These elytra meet along a straight seam, and the insects have chewing mouthparts with complete metamorphosis. Weevils are a type of beetle, so they are classified in the same order as other beetles. Other insect groups—grasshoppers and crickets (Orthoptera), butterflies and moths (Lepidoptera), true bugs like aphids and cicadas (Hemiptera)—are different orders, which is why they don’t include beetles. So, the order that includes both beetles and weevils is Coleoptera.