A beetle-like insect is a bug that belongs to the order Coleoptera, which features over 400,000 known species worldwide. Beetles are known for their hardened forewings called elytra that cover their membranous hindwings, making them unique. A variety of synonyms can be used instead of beetle-like insect, including scarab beetle, stag beetle, ground beetle, firefly beetle, rove beetle, ladybug, and longhorn beetle. Additionally, phrases such as "insect with a hard shell" and "winged insect with a shield-like carapace" can be used as descriptive alternatives. Beetles are important in providing ecosystem services such as pollination, pest control, and nutrient cycling.