Author(s): George Hangay

Animals

Winner of the 2010 Whitley Medal A Guide to the Beetles of Australia provides a comprehensive introduction to the Coleoptera - a huge and diverse group of insects. Beetles make up 40 per cent of all insects known to science. The number of described beetle species in the world - around 350 000 - is more than six times the number of all vertebrate species. New beetle species are being discovered all the time. Of the 30 000 species that may occur in Australia, only 20 000 have been scientifically described. These include around 6500 weevils (Curculionidae), 2600 scarabs, dung beetles and chafers (Scarabaeidae); and 2250 leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae). A Guide to the Beetles of Australia highlights the enormous diversity of this unique insect Order. It emphasises the environmental role of beetles, their relationships with other plants and animals, and their importance to humans.