BEETLES
BTher are more species of beetles or Coleoptera (hard wings) than any pther kind of insects. Perhaps they were among the earliest pollinators, long before bees assumed that role. Surprisingly beetles pollinate a very large number of species, specially in the tropics and in desert areas.They are very sloppy pollinators, chewing the flowers and defecating as they go along.
Click on images to see them enlarged.
This tiny beetle is abundant on flowers.  Shinig flower beetle, family Phalacridae
The spotted cucumber beetle, Diabrotica, may or may not be a pollinator, however it is frequently found on flowers.
Locust Borer Beetle. The larva of this beetle may cause damage to trees by boring into their bark.
Soldier Beetles, Chauliognathus pennsylvanicus, mating.
Blister beetle, Epicauta pennsylvanica
Blister beetle, Epicauta pennsylvanica
Weevil on phlox
Long horned beetle
Long horned beetle, Strangalia, on button bush
False blister beetle (Asclera ruficollis) covered with pollen. Family Oedemeridae.
This wedge shaped beetle or Rhipiphoridae is not here for the pollen. The female lays her eggs on flowers so later on they their larvae can climb up on bees and be carried to their nests where they parasitize the bee's brood.
A couple of sites with excellent pictures of beetles:

Beetles
Coleoptera
More about beetles: 1 2
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Photography by Beatriz Moisset. Most pictures were taken in Montgomery County and Bucks County, PA in 2002 to 2004
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Last update: April, 2006
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