Insect order Coleoptera (beetles) have biting mouth parts and a hard opaque forewings (elytra) that generally cover the abdomen.  The tough elytra (providing protection) shielding delicate wings (to aid species dispersal) are directly causal in the beetles place as the dominant insect order.  They contain the largest and some of the smallest insects, and have invaded all available habitats.  All shots taken with Canon EOS 300D and 100mm f2.8 macro, with fill in flash unless otherwise stated:

Soldier Beetle (?Cantharis) on umbellifer Canon EOS 300D and MP-E 65mm, with fill in flash

Ground beetle (?Carabus) on eating caterpillar

Ladybird larva (Coccinella septempunctata) Canon EOS 300D and MP-E 65mm, with multiple fill in flash

Weevil (?Cionus hortulanus) on bramble Canon EOS 300D and MP-E 65mm, with multiple fill in flash

Weevil (?sp.) eating nettle Canon EOS 300D and MP-E 65mm, with fill in flash

Weevil (?sp.) hiding under leaf

Leaf Beetle (Cryptocephalus labiatus) eating leaf

Leaf Beetle (?sp) Canon EOS 300D and MP-E 65mm, with multiple fill in flash

© kennethgilpin@lookingcloser.net