College : CMR National PU College, ITPL, Bengaluru

Sample: Beetle

Site of sample collection: CMR National PU College, ITPL

Date of Collection: 19 February 2019

Date of Observation: 19 February 2019

Students involved: Ramya Nambiar, Shwetha Santhosh, Gopika Anil

Kingdom: Animalia ,
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera

The leg of a beetle was viewed under the foldscope to produce clear and sharp outcomes.

The beetles (like all other insects) have three pairs of legs. The jointed legs are composed of five main segments. The multisegmented legs end in two to five small segments called tarsi. The leg, when viewed under the foldscope appeared in a shade of brown under the light. Tiny hair like structures could also be seen on the legs. These play a key-role in generating thrust during swimming by making the leg more paddle-like.

The shape and size of the leg varies depending on the beetle’s lifestyle. The legs are primarily used for locomotion. It can also be used for swimming, digging and jumping.