- Blister Beetle (Family: Meloidae)
- Chemical Defense Mechanism: Produces cantharidin, a potent vesicant.
- Geographical Distribution: Commonly observed in West Virginia.
- Mass: Approximately 0.5-2 grams.
- Ecological Niche: Xerophilous, inhabiting arid environments.
- Colorado Potato Beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata)
- Agricultural Impact: Notorious for defoliating Solanaceae crops.
- Geographical Distribution: Present in West Virginia.
- Mass: Approximately 0.7-1 gram.
- Ecological Niche: Terrestrial, primarily found in agricultural fields.
- Japanese Beetle (Popillia japonica)
- Feeding Behavior: Polyphagous, causing significant foliar damage.
- Geographical Distribution: Established in West Virginia.
- Mass: Approximately 0.8-1.2 grams.
- Ecological Niche: Terrestrial, inhabiting various plant communities.
- Longhorn Beetle (Family: Cerambycidae)
- Morphological Feature: Elongated antennae, often exceeding body length.
- Geographical Distribution: Frequently encountered in West Virginia woodlands.
- Mass: Approximately 1-10 grams.
- Ecological Niche: Terrestrial, primarily associated with decaying wood.
- Scarab Beetle (Family: Scarabaeidae)
- Cultural Significance: Revered in ancient Egyptian culture.
- Geographical Distribution: Found in West Virginia, particularly in gardens.
- Mass: Approximately 1-10 grams.
- Ecological Niche: Terrestrial, often in soil and leaf litter.
- Dung Beetle (Subfamily: Scarabaeinae)
- Ecological Role: Decomposers, recycling nutrients by processing dung.
- Geographical Distribution: Common in West Virginia grasslands.
- Mass: Approximately 1-5 grams.
- Ecological Niche: Terrestrial, inhabiting dung-rich environments.
- Click Beetle (Family: Elateridae)
- Behavioral Adaptation: Produces an audible “click” for righting itself.
- Geographical Distribution: Widespread in West Virginia.
- Mass: Approximately 0.7-1.5 grams.
- Ecological Niche: Terrestrial, found in various habitats.
- Stag Beetle (Family: Lucanidae)
- Morphological Feature: Large mandibles, especially in males.
- Geographical Distribution: Common in West Virginia forests.
- Mass: Males can weigh 10-20 grams.
- Ecological Niche: Terrestrial, associated with decaying wood.
- Hercules Beetle (Dynastes hercules)
- Morphological Feature: Notable for its large size and horn-like structures.
- Geographical Distribution: Less common in West Virginia.
- Mass: Males can weigh 50-100 grams.
- Ecological Niche: Terrestrial, inhabiting forested areas.
- Goliath Beetle (Genus: Goliathus)
- Morphological Feature: One of the largest beetles by mass.
- Geographical Distribution: Rarely observed in West Virginia.
- Mass: Approximately 60-100 grams.
- Ecological Niche: Terrestrial, primarily in tropical forests.
- Ladybug (Coccinellidae)
- Ecological Role: Predators of aphids and other small insects.
- Geographical Distribution: Common in West Virginia gardens.
- Mass: Approximately 0.3-1 gram.
- Ecological Niche: Terrestrial, often in agricultural and garden settings.
- Tiger Beetle (Subfamily: Cicindelinae)
- Behavioral Adaptation: Known for its speed and predatory behavior.
- Geographical Distribution: Present in West Virginia.
- Mass: Approximately 1-3 grams.
- Ecological Niche: Terrestrial, often in sandy or open habitats.
- May Beetle (Phyllophaga spp.)
- Behavioral Adaptation: Attracted to lights during the summer months.
- Geographical Distribution: Common in West Virginia during late spring and early summer.
- Mass: Approximately 5-10 grams.
- Ecological Niche: Terrestrial, often in grassy areas.
- Water Beetle (Family: Dytiscidae)
- Behavioral Adaptation: Adapted to aquatic environments, proficient swimmers.
- Geographical Distribution: Found in West Virginia ponds and streams.
- Mass: Approximately 1-5 grams.
- Ecological Niche: Aquatic, inhabiting freshwater bodies.
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