Yes, there is a definite difference between beetles and bugs—a subject that is confusing to most of us, especially since we often use the term “bug” for almost any type of tiny, flying creature! The biggest difference is that they belong to two distinct insect groups— in most biological classifications, bugs are actually called “true bugs,” and are listed under the Order Hemiptera, while beetles are under the Order Coleoptera. There are some similarities, as both true bugs and beetles have the overall characteristics of the insect world: six jointed legs, antennae, a relatively hard exoskeleton, and three main body parts: the head, thorax, and abdomen. But there are differences, too, which is the reason for the two orders: