Longitarsus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Longitarsus |
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| Longitarsus in Reitter Fauna Germanica. Die Käfer des Deutschen Reiches | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Coleoptera |
| Family: | Chrysomelidae |
| Tribe: | Alticini |
| Genus: | Longitarsus Latreille, 1829 |
Longitarsus is a large group, or genus, of tiny beetles. They belong to the family called Chrysomelidae, which are known for eating plants. These beetles are often called "flea beetles" because they can jump really well, just like fleas!
There are more than 700 different kinds, or species, of Longitarsus beetles. This makes it the biggest group among all flea beetles. You can find these beetles almost everywhere in the world. This is called having a cosmopolitan distribution.
Contents
What are Flea Beetles?
Flea beetles are small beetles that are part of the leaf beetle family. They get their name because they have strong back legs. These legs let them jump very far and quickly. This jumping ability helps them escape from danger.
How Big Are They?
Most Longitarsus beetles are quite small. They are usually only a few millimeters long. This means they are often smaller than a grain of rice! Their small size helps them hide among plants.
What Do They Look Like?
Longitarsus beetles come in many colors. Some are shiny black, while others might be brown or even have metallic colors. They have hard wing covers that protect their bodies. These covers are typical for all beetles.
Where Do Longitarsus Beetles Live?
Since Longitarsus beetles are found all over the world, they live in many different places. You can find them in gardens, fields, and forests. They usually live wherever their favorite food plants grow.
What Do They Eat?
Longitarsus beetles are plant-eaters. They mostly feed on the leaves of various plants. Different species of Longitarsus might prefer different types of plants. Some are known to eat plants like those in the cabbage family or weeds. When they eat, they can sometimes make small holes in the leaves.
Life Cycle of Longitarsus Beetles
Like all beetles, Longitarsus beetles go through a complete metamorphosis. This means they change a lot during their life.
Reproduction
Female Longitarsus beetles lay their eggs on or near the plants their young will eat. The eggs are very tiny and often hidden.
Larvae and Pupae
After the eggs hatch, small worm-like creatures called larvae emerge. These larvae also feed on plants, often on the roots. They grow by eating and shedding their skin several times. Once a larva is fully grown, it turns into a pupa. The pupa stage is a resting stage, where the beetle transforms into its adult form.
Adult Beetles
Finally, an adult Longitarsus beetle emerges from the pupa. The adult beetles then start to feed, mate, and lay eggs. This completes their life cycle.
See also
In Spanish: Longitarsus para niños
- List of Longitarsus species
