Mordella cingulata facts for kids

Mordella cingulata is a fascinating type of beetle. It belongs to a group of beetles called Mordella. This particular species was first discovered and described in 1891. It is part of the large Mordellidae family, which includes many different kinds of tumbling flower beetles.

What is Mordella cingulata?

Mordella cingulata is a small insect. It is a type of beetle, which means it has a hard outer shell. Beetles are the largest group of insects on Earth. This specific beetle is part of the Mordella genus. The word "genus" is a scientific way to group similar living things together.

Its Place in the Animal Kingdom

Scientists classify all living things into groups. This helps us understand how they are related. Mordella cingulata fits into these groups:

• Kingdom: Animalia (All animals)
• Phylum: Arthropoda (Insects, spiders, crabs, etc.)
• Class: Insecta (All insects)
• Order: Coleoptera (All beetles)
• Family: Mordellidae (A family of beetles often called tumbling flower beetles)
• Genus: Mordella (A specific group within the Mordellidae family)
• Species: M. cingulata (This exact type of beetle)

Who Discovered This Beetle?

The Mordella cingulata beetle was officially described in 1891. It was named by a scientist named George Charles Champion. Scientists give new species a two-part Latin name. This name is unique for each species, like a first and last name.

Where Do These Beetles Live?

Most beetles in the Mordellidae family, including Mordella cingulata, are found near flowers. They are often called "tumbling flower beetles." This is because they are active on flowers and can tumble or fall off easily. They are usually found in warm climates.

What Do They Eat?

These beetles typically feed on pollen and nectar from flowers. This makes them important for pollination. Pollination is how plants reproduce, often with the help of insects.

Life Cycle of a Beetle

Like all insects, Mordella cingulata goes through different life stages. This is called a life cycle.

• Egg: The life cycle starts when the female beetle lays tiny eggs.
• Larva: The eggs hatch into larvae. Larvae are like small worms or grubs. They spend their time eating and growing.
• Pupa: After growing enough, the larva changes into a pupa. This is a resting stage. Inside the pupa, the beetle transforms.
• Adult: Finally, the adult beetle emerges from the pupa. The adult beetle can then fly, find a mate, and lay eggs to start the cycle again.

More About Beetles

Beetles are an incredibly diverse group of insects. They live in almost every habitat on Earth. They have a hard exoskeleton that protects their bodies. Their front wings are hardened into covers called elytra. These covers protect their delicate flying wings underneath.

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• In Spanish: Mordella cingulata para niños