Classification

Domain: Eukarya
    Kingdom Animalia

 

The Phylogenetic trees above were derived from morphological features from the order Coleoptera, better known as beetles.  A More intensive understanding can be obtained by visiting Tree of Life web Project.

 

Domain: Members of the Eukarya possess eukaryotic cells which consist of membrane-bound organelles and a true nucleus.

 

Kingdom:  Animalia (aka animals) are multi-celled, eukaryotic, heterotrophic organisms.  Additionally, animals are composed of cells that lack cell walls.  These cells are joined together by cell junctions and held together primarily by protein collagen.  Finally, most animals reproduce sexually.

 

Phylum: Arthropoda, also called jointed leg, contains 80 percent of all animal species.  Arthropoda are segmented with a bilateral symmetric body.  Arthropoda live in sea, freshwater, on land, and in the air.  They contain an exoskeleton composed of chitin.  The exoskeleton is important because it offers protection, a framework for muscle to attach to and prevents water loss, which is especially important for the Arthropoda that live on land.  Arthropoda also have limbs that are used for walking, but over time some limbs have evolved into antennae, paddles, and mouthparts.

 

Class: Insecta (aka insect) have segmented bodies that are surrounded by an exoskeleton composed of chitin.  The body is divided into three segments: head, thorax, and abdomen.  Additionally, that contain three pairs of legs, two antennae, and compound eyes.  Insects are found in nearly all environments.

 

Order: Coleoptera (aka beetle) is the order of Insecta with the largest number of species.  Their main food sources are plants, fungi, and other invertebrates.  Like all Insecta, beetles contain a head, thorax, and abdomen.  The thorax contains all three pairs of legs and both pairs of wings.  The beetle contains a hard exoskeleton composed of plates called sclerites.  The exoskeleton provides protection and at the same time maintains flexibility. 

 

Family: Buprestidae (aka jewel beetles) is the largest family of the beetles.  Their main food source is dying or dead branches on trees.    

 

Genus: Agrilus is a genus of jewel beetles.  They are metallic wood boring beetles.

Species: Planipennis are wood borers specific to Ash species trees.