Mordella auratonotata facts for kids

Mordella auratonotata is a fascinating type of beetle. It belongs to a group of beetles known as Mordella, which are part of the Mordellidae family. This family is also called "tumbling flower beetles" because of how they move! Scientists first officially described this beetle in 1941.

What is Mordella auratonotata?

Mordella auratonotata is a small insect with a hard outer shell, just like other beetles. It's part of the huge group of animals called Arthropods, which also includes spiders and crabs. Beetles are known for their tough exoskeletons and two pairs of wings, though one pair is usually hardened to protect the softer flying wings underneath.

The Mordella Genus

The name Mordella refers to a group, or genus, of beetles that share many similar features. Think of it like a family name for animals. All beetles in the Mordella genus are closely related. Mordella auratonotata is one specific species within this group. The second part of its name, auratonotata, helps tell it apart from other Mordella beetles.

Tumbling Flower Beetles: The Mordellidae Family

Mordella auratonotata is a member of the Mordellidae family. These beetles are often called "tumbling flower beetles" because of their unique shape and behavior. They usually have a wedge-shaped body and a humped back. They are quite active and can often be seen on flowers, where they feed on pollen and nectar. If they feel threatened, they might try to "tumble" away to escape!

Where Do They Live and What Do They Eat?

Most tumbling flower beetles, including those in the Mordella genus, are found around flowers. Adult beetles typically eat pollen and nectar, which helps them get energy. The larvae (young beetles) of Mordellidae beetles often live inside decaying wood or plant stems. They chew tunnels as they grow, helping to break down dead plants in nature.

The Life Cycle of a Beetle

Like many insects, Mordella auratonotata goes through a process called complete metamorphosis. This means it changes a lot during its life.

Stages of Development

• Egg: The life cycle begins when a female beetle lays tiny eggs, often in or near suitable food sources for the future larvae.
• Larva: After hatching, the eggs turn into larvae. These are often worm-like and spend their time eating and growing. For tumbling flower beetles, larvae usually live inside wood or plant stems.
• Pupa: Once the larva is big enough, it changes into a pupa. During this stage, the beetle doesn't move much, but amazing changes are happening inside as it transforms into an adult.
• Adult: Finally, the adult beetle emerges from the pupa. The adult's main job is to find a mate and reproduce, starting the cycle all over again.

Discovery and Classification

Mordella auratonotata was officially discovered and named by a scientist named Píc in 1941. When scientists "discover" a species, it means they have found it, studied it, and given it a unique scientific name. This helps everyone around the world know exactly which creature they are talking about.

Why Scientific Names Matter

Every living thing has a unique scientific name, like Mordella auratonotata. These names are usually in Latin or Greek. They are important because:

• They are the same all over the world, no matter what language people speak.
• They help scientists organize and understand how different species are related to each other.
• They prevent confusion, as many animals might have different common names in different places.

See also

In Spanish: Mordella auratonotata para niños