Beetle or true bug?

Several people have been asking me about "beetle" problems they are having on their plants.  When I finally see the insect it's not a beetle, but a true bug. So, how do you tell the difference between the two groups?

Beetles: Beetles have hardened forewings (the front wings), so they may look as if they have a straight line down their back. Beetles also have chewing mouthparts with mandibles.


True bugs: True bugs have their forewings hardened at the base and membranous at the end. This creates a triangular shape on their back. True bugs have piercing-sucking mouthparts (sort of an elongated beak) that fit on the underside of the body between the legs.