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Mordella baeri facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Mordella baeri is a type of small, interesting beetle that was first discovered in 1936. It belongs to a group of beetles often called "tumbling flower beetles" because of the way they move. These beetles are part of a larger family called Mordellidae.


Quick facts for kids
Mordella baeri
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Phylum:
Class:
Order:
Suborder:
Family:
Mordellidae
Subfamily:
Mordellinae
Tribe:
Mordellini
Genus:
Mordella
Species:
M. baeri
Binomial name
Mordella baeri
Píc, 1936

What are Tumbling Flower Beetles?

Tumbling flower beetles, like Mordella baeri, are known for their unique shape and movements. They are usually small, often less than 1 centimeter long. Their bodies are shaped like a wedge, getting narrower towards the back. They also have a pointed tail-like part called a pygidium.

Why are they called "Tumbling"?

These beetles get their name from their quick, jerky movements. When they are disturbed or trying to escape, they often tumble or jump around. This makes them hard for predators to catch. They are very active and can move surprisingly fast for their size.

Where Do They Live?

Tumbling flower beetles are found in many parts of the world, especially in warmer climates. They often live in places where there are lots of flowers, as they spend a lot of their time on plants. You might find them in gardens, meadows, or forests.

Habitat and Food

Adult Mordella baeri and other tumbling flower beetles are usually found on flowers. They feed on pollen and nectar, which are sugary liquids produced by flowers. This makes them important for pollination, helping plants reproduce. Their larvae (the young stage of the beetle) often live inside decaying wood or plant stems, where they feed on the dead plant material.

Life Cycle of a Beetle

Like all beetles, Mordella baeri goes through a complete metamorphosis. This means they have four main stages in their life: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.

Reproduction

Female beetles lay their tiny eggs in places where the larvae will have food once they hatch. For tumbling flower beetles, this is often in soft, decaying wood or the stems of plants. Once the eggs hatch, small, worm-like larvae emerge.

Larval Stage

The larvae are the growing stage of the beetle. They spend their time eating and getting bigger. As they grow, they shed their skin several times in a process called molting. This stage can last for several weeks or even months, depending on the species and the environment.

Pupal Stage

After the larva has grown enough, it changes into a pupa. This is a resting stage where the larva transforms into an adult beetle. The pupa doesn't move or eat. Inside its protective casing, amazing changes happen as the beetle's body parts develop.

Adult Stage

Finally, the adult beetle emerges from the pupa. The adult's main job is to reproduce and lay eggs, starting the life cycle all over again. Adult Mordella baeri are active on flowers, feeding and finding mates.

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Mordella baeri Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.