Resilience and function: Beetles as critical drivers of global ecological processes

Jacob Mulwa Muinde, Caren Awour Ochieng

Beetles (Coleoptera), among the most diverse and ecologically significant insect groups, play vital roles in ecosystem functioning and service provision. With over 300,000 described species, their adaptability - driven by traits such as elytra and diverse feeding habits enables them to occupy nearly all terrestrial niches. Beetles contribute to nutrient cycling, pollination, seed dispersal, pest regulation, and decomposition, directly supporting ecological balance and human well-being. However, climate change and anthropogenic activities - including land-use shifts, pollution, and habitat fragmentation - threaten beetle populations, disrupting their ecological functions. Despite their exceptional diversity and critical roles in ecosystem functioning, beetles (Coleoptera) remain disproportionately understudied compared to more charismatic insect orders such as bees and butterflies, which have long been focal points in ecological research due to their recognized pollination services. Additionally, most studies examine single stressors, neglecting the compounded effects of co-occurring global change drivers. Long-term monitoring and conservation strategies are urgently needed to mitigate biodiversity decline and preserve beetles as ecosystem engineers. This review synthesizes current knowledge on beetle-mediated ecosystem services, highlights threats from anthropogenic pressures, and proposes future research directions to safeguard their ecological contributions.