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In Britain, there are at least 3,700 species of beetle with the ladybird being the most well known.

Like all insects, beetles have six jointed legs, a head, thorax and abdomen.

They are generally characterised by a particularly hard exoskeleton and hard forewings. The beetle's exoskeleton is made up of numerous plates called sclerites.

They feed on plants and fungi, break down animal and plant debris, and eat other invertebrates. Some species are prey of various animals including birds and mammals.

Some species can prove to be agricultural pests. These include the colorado potato beetle, the boll weevil and the mungbean or cowpea beetle.

Beetles are also important in controlling agricultural pests. Ladybirds, for example, consume aphids, scale insects and other plant-sucking insects that damage crops.