How Many Legs Does a Beetle Have?

By Staff WriterLast Updated March 29, 2020

A beetle is an insect, and it therefore has six legs. Each insect’s body has a head, thorax and abdomen. A beetle’s legs and wings are attached to its abdomen.

The beetle’s antennae, which help it find food and a mate, are located on its head. These feelers also sense vibrations made by predators. The abdomen of the insect holds its digestive and reproductive organs. The entire body is covered by a hard shell called an exoskeleton, which functions like protective armor. Although they all have the same basic structure, beetles come in a wide range of shapes, colors and sizes, from lady bugs, to lightning bugs, to potato bugs.