Insects are the largest group of animals in the world, in terms of diversity, abundance and biomass. Approximately 75% of animal species are insects. The tropical rain forests are known to be extremely rich in insect diversity. Thus, it is not surprising that a small rain forest like Kebun Cina Forest Reserve, is also teeming with insect life although it is surrounded by housing estates, roads and other forms of development.

In the forest, insects are important in the functioning of the ecosystem. They are decomposers, nutrient recyclers, pollinators, while many are source of food for other bigger animals, as well as plants in the forest. The carnivorous pitcher plants in some parts of Kebun Cina rely on insects as their source of nutrient. They have modified leaf structure resembling a cup that traps and digests insects. Other plants, such as the ant plants, exhibit mutualistic relationship with ants in order to co-exist. The plants provide shelter, and in return, the ants provide food. Hence, this is one of the many interesting interactions in the rain forest which fascinates all of us.

A variety of insect species can be seen in the Kebun Cina Forest Reserve. Butterlies are the most beautiful and conspicuous group that can be seen when strolling along the jogging track in the early morning. Ants are everywhere but one has to take a closer look on the plants to look for them. Other less conspicuous insects include beetles, moths, stick insects, bugs, grasshoppers, praying mantises and termites, but they are equally interesting.

Beetles are characterized by a pair of hard stiff wings, known as elytra. The wings are believed to be the single most important factor that has contributed to the evolutionary success of beetles. The elytra arise from the thorax and protect the second pair of more delicate flying wings. In common with other outer parts of the beetle, the elytra are made of cuticle, a tough waterproof covering which protects the soft inner organs and provides a rigid frame from which the body muscles can operate. With this thick and strong cuticle, the beetle looks as if it is wearing an amour. If you step on a beetle when walking over soft ground, it is quite likely to be pushed unharmed into the mud, whereas other insects would be crushed. Besides the elytra, beetles are also generally characterized by their biting mouth-parts. The word ‘beetle' actually comes from the Middle English word ‘bityl' or ‘betyll' meaning ‘little biter'. The ancestors of beetles are thought to have evolved about 300 million years ago. They were probably rather soft, weakly flying insects like the alder flies (Megaloptera) and lacewings (Neuroptera).

Although beetles are immensely diverse and ubiquitous (except marine habitats), they are less commonly encountered than moths, butterflies and ants. This is mainly because more than 95% of the beetles are less than one centimetre long and they are often not found in swarm of one species like ants. Many are also active at night.