Beetles and bugs are important in many ecosystems as they play key roles in pollination, decomposition, and pest control. However, some can also be considered pests themselves, as they can damage plants.
While the terms bug and beetle are often used interchangeably in everyday language, in the scientific world, they refer to two distinct orders of insects with key differences.
Beetles versus Bugs
Beetles (Order Coleoptera) have chewing mouthparts and hard, protective forewings called elytra, which cover their membranous hindwings when at rest. They undergo complete metamorphosis (egg, larva, pupa, adult).
True Bugs (Order Hemiptera) have piercing-sucking mouthparts (a beak-like rostrum) used to suck liquids, typically from plants or sometimes animals. Their forewings are often partially thickened at the base and membranous at the tips, often forming an “X” shape when at rest. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis (egg, nymph, adult).
Beetle Gallery
Beetle Larva and Pupa
Bug Gallery
2024 Beetle Survey
In 2024, there were mystery boxes placed around the park! They were vane traps used as part of a survey of saproxylic beetles carried out by Adrian, from EMEC Ecology on behalf of the Woodland Trust.
The health and diversity of Wollaton Park’s ecosystem and the wider area, can be assessed through the study of saproxylic beetles. These insects, which require dead wood for their life cycle, are fundamental drivers of decomposition and nutrient recycling in forest environments.
Key findings of the research:
- The survey identified 158 species of beetles, with 110 species associated with saproxylic habits.
- Five saproxylic beetles were new to Nottinghamshire.
- Twenty-eight species of saproxylic beetles found during the survey have a conservation status.
- Wollaton Park is in favourable condition to support deadwood invertebrate assemblages, with an Index of Ecological Continuity (IEC) of 42, indicating national importance.
- The Saproxylic Quality Index (SQI) for Wollaton Park is 502.8, placing it among the top sites in the UK.
The report concludes that Wollaton Park is of national importance for its saproxylic beetle assemblage and provides recommendations for maintaining and enhancing the deadwood habitat to support these species.
Photographs on this web page were taken in Wollaton Park and are reproduced with the original artist’s permission. Copyright © for each picture remains with the original artist, who is duly acknowledged for their contribution.
On this page:
- Botanic Garden,
- Colin Robbins,
- Kyle Hessom,
- Nigel Downes