Amphimallon nigrum facts for kids

Amphimallon nigrum is a type of beetle. It belongs to a group of beetles known as Melolonthinae. This special beetle is only found in one country: Spain. A scientist named Waltl first described it in 1835.

What is a Beetle?

Beetles are amazing insects. They are part of the order called Coleoptera. This group is the largest of all insects. There are more than 400,000 known types of beetles!

Beetle Body Parts

Beetles have a tough outer shell. This shell protects their bodies. It is made of a material called chitin. Their bodies are divided into three main parts:

• The head holds their eyes and mouthparts.
• The thorax is where their legs and wings attach.
• The abdomen contains their digestive organs.

Hard Wing Covers

A special feature of beetles is their hard front wings. These are called elytra. They act like a shield. The elytra cover and protect the delicate flying wings underneath. When a beetle flies, it lifts its elytra. This allows the softer wings to unfold and flap.

Where Does Amphimallon nigrum Live?

Amphimallon nigrum is an endemic species. This means it is found only in a specific place. For this beetle, that place is Spain. It lives in various habitats across the country. These can include fields, forests, and grasslands.

Life in Spain

Spain has many different climates. This allows for a wide range of plants. These plants provide food and shelter for beetles. Amphimallon nigrum likely prefers areas with certain types of soil. It also needs specific plants for its larvae to eat.

What Do Beetles Eat?

Beetles have many different diets. Some eat plants, while others eat other insects. Some even eat decaying matter. The Melolonthinae subfamily, which Amphimallon nigrum belongs to, often feeds on plants.

Diet of Amphimallon Beetles

Many Amphimallon beetles are plant-eaters. Adult beetles might feed on leaves or flowers. Their larvae, which are often called grubs, live underground. These grubs usually feed on plant roots. This can sometimes cause damage to crops or lawns.

The Beetle Life Cycle

Like many insects, beetles go through a process called metamorphosis. This means they change their form completely. It involves four main stages.

Four Stages of Life

• Egg: The life cycle begins when a female beetle lays eggs. She often lays them in the soil or on plants.
• Larva: The eggs hatch into larvae. These are often worm-like grubs. They spend their time eating and growing. They shed their skin several times as they grow larger.
• Pupa: After growing enough, the larva changes into a pupa. This is a resting stage. Inside the pupa, the beetle transforms. It develops its adult features.
• Adult: Finally, the adult beetle emerges from the pupa. The adult's main job is to find a mate and lay eggs. This starts the cycle all over again.

Why Are Beetles Important?

Beetles play many important roles in nature. They are a vital part of many ecosystems.

Roles in Nature

• Pollinators: Some beetles help pollinate plants. They carry pollen from one flower to another. This helps plants make seeds.
• Decomposers: Many beetles help break down dead plants and animals. They recycle nutrients back into the soil. This keeps ecosystems healthy.
• Pest Control: Some beetles eat other insects that are considered pests. This helps control insect populations naturally.
• Food Source: Beetles are also a food source for many animals. Birds, mammals, and other insects eat beetles.

See also

In Spanish: Amphimallon nigrum para niños