What is the Difference Between Coleoptera and Lepidoptera

The main difference between Coleoptera and Lepidoptera is that Coleoptera is an order of insects that contain beetles, whereas Lepidoptera is an order of insects that contain butterflies and moths. 

Coleoptera and Lepidoptera are two orders of insects that are hexapod invertebrates. Insects form the largest group of animals within the arthropod phylum.   

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Coleoptera
    – Definition, Facts, Characteristics
2. What is Lepidoptera
    – Definition, Facts, Characteristics
3. Similarities Between Coleoptera and Lepidoptera
    – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Coleoptera and Lepidoptera
    – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms  

Coleoptera, Lepidoptera

What is Coleoptera

Coleoptera is the order that contains beetles. It belongs to the superorder Endopterygota. Around 400000 species are identified from the order Coleoptera. It is one of the largest orders of insects. It contains 40% of the insects. Also, it contains 25% of all known animal species. However, the estimations suggest around 0.9 to 2.1 million species on the earth. On the other hand, it interacts with ecosystems in several ways. Beetles in the Coleoptera order feed on plants and insects. Also, they break down plant and animal debris. Additionally, they eat other invertebrates. Further, beetles live in all habitats except in the sea.

Figure 1: Beetles

Furthermore, some species, like the Colorado potato beetle, are serious agricultural pests. Other species like Coccinellidae, including ladybirds or ladybugs, eat aphids, scale insects, thrips, and other plant-sucking insects that damage crops. A key feature of beetles is the hardening of the front wing pair into wing cases. It is called elytra. Significantly, it is a distinguishing feature from most other insects. Rove beetles have a very short elytra, while blister beetles have a softer elytra. Water beetles trap air while they are diving. Apart from that, beetles have a hard skeleton.

What is Lepidoptera

Lepidoptera is an order of insects that contain butterflies and moths. Around 180000 species occur in the Lepidoptera order. It represents 10% of the total species of living organisms. It contains 126 families and 46 superfamilies. Therefore, it is one of the widespread and widely distributed orders. The most apparent characteristics of Lepidoptera include scales that cover the body, proboscis, and wings. These scales are flattened, modified hairs that give these insects a wide variety of patterns and colors. Another character includes the membranous wings. Some have reduced wings, and some are wingless. Also, Lepidoptera undergo complete metamorphosis. Caterpillars are the common name for the larvae of Lepidoptera.

Figure 2: Lepidoptera

Moreover, caterpillars have cylindrical bodies with a well-developed head. Also, they have mandible mouth parts. Additionally, they have three pairs of thoracic legs and five pairs of prolegs. Instars are a series of events in which caterpillars change their appearance. There, the larvae develop into pupa that has a hard skin. Further, many butterfly species and moths develop a silk case called cocoon.   

Similarities Between Coleoptera and Lepidoptera

• Coleoptera and Lepidoptera are two orders of insects.
• They are hexapod invertebrates.
• Also, they are the largest group of animals in the arthropod phylum. 

Difference Between Coleoptera and Lepidoptera

Definition

Coleoptera refers to an order of insects that comprises beetles (including weevils), forming the largest order of animals on the earth. In contrast, Lepidoptera refers to an order of insects that comprises butterflies and moths. They have four large-scale-covered wings that bear distinctive markings and larvae that are caterpillars.

Type of Insects

Coleoptera contains beetles, while Lepidoptera contains butterflies and moths.

Wings

Coleoptera has a hardened front wing case called elytra, while Lepidoptera has membranous wings.

Conclusion

In brief, Coleoptera and Lepidoptera are two orders of insects with six legs. Coleoptera is the order of insects that contains beetles. It contains a hardened front wing case. In comparison, Lepidoptera is the order of insects that contains butterflies and moths. Additionally, it has membranous wings. Therefore, the main difference between Coleoptera and Lepidoptera is the type of insects.   

FAQ: What defines Lepidoptera?  

Lepidoptera is an order of insects that contains butterflies and moths. Also, they have broad wings covered with minute-overlapping scales that are brightly colored. Additionally, they have membranous wings.

How to identify a Coleoptera? 

Coleoptera is another order of insects that primarily contains heavily sclerotized forewings (elytra). It lacks veins. Forewings cover the membranous hind wings. The entire body is hardened, and three pairs of segmented legs occur in the body.  

What are Coleoptera’s characteristics? 

A pair of elytra is the characteristic feature of the order Coleoptera. They are hardened front wings. They also have a pair of membranous hind wings. Additionally, they have chewing mouthparts. Also, they undergo complete metamorphosis.  

References:

1. Wikimedia Foundation. (2023af, October 5). Lepidoptera. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lepidoptera 
2. Wikimedia Foundation. (2023ah, October 9). Beetle. Wikipedia.  

Image Courtesy:

1. “Dynastes hercules ecuatorianus MHNT” By Didier Descouens – Own Work (CC-BY SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Peacock butterfly (Aglais io) 2” By Charles J. Sharp – Own Work (CC-BY SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia