How do beetles chew their food?

Beetles, which belong to the order Coleoptera, possess mouthparts that are generally adapted for chewing. These mouthparts are located on the head and consist of several distinct structures that work together to convey and process food.1

Behind the upper lip, or labrum, lies a pair of hard, toothed mandibles that are primarily responsible for the biting and chewing action. These are followed by two pairs of structures:1
* First maxillae: Each consists of a bladelike lacinia, a hoodlike galea, and a segmented palp that bears sense organs.1
* Second maxillae: These are partially fused in the midline to form the lower lip, known as the labium.1

Additionally, a median, tonguelike structure called the hypopharynx may arise from the floor of the mouth to assist in the feeding process. While these structures are fundamentally designed for chewing, the specific feeding habits of beetles vary widely, as they may be predators, scavengers, or plant feeders depending on the species.12