author(s)
Usha B and Vasanthi K

abstract
Coleoptera is an order of insects commonly called beetles. The diversity of beetles is very wide. They are found in all major habitats, except marine and the Polar Regions. There are particular species that are adapted to practically every kind of diet. The family Scarabaeidae is the largest family of insects which contains more than 30000 species in the world. Many species are of great economic importance. Many species of beetles are serious pests of agriculture (Leptinotarsa decemlineata), forests (borers and miners), stored food, wood, leathers, furs, and fabric. Some of the phytophagous species are free feeders on foliage; some bore into the woods or fruits; some are leaf miners; some attack the roots and some feed on the parts of blossoms. The study area of Tenkasi district was divided into 10 various locations as follows Tenkasi, Courtallam, Five falls, Puliyarai, Kadayam, Senkottai, Kadayam, Alwarkurichi, Kadayanallur, Puliyankudi, Sankarankovil. A total of 30 species were observed from the study area. We collected 13 families of beetles and 2 orders. The species Opatrum sabulosum, Onthophagus taurus, Aphthona flava, Hydrophilus acuminatus, Oryctes nasicornis, Naupactus leucolona, Adoretus ictericus, and Bubas bubalus are notised more abundant in our study area. Chrysanthia geniculata, Pseudocneorhinus bifasciatus and Calligrapha multipunctata are rare beetles in our study area. Oryctes rhinocerous was one of the most dangerous pest beetles in agricultural lands. Dung beetles (Scarabaeidae), borers (Cerambycidae), ground beetles (Carabidae), leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae), ladybird beetles (Coccinellidae), bark beetles (Scolytidae), flat-horned beetles (Paussidae) and bess beetles (Passalidae) were most prominent families observed throughout the study. The beetle diversity was not found similar in different habitat types.