Mordella enerosa facts for kids
Mordella enerosa is a type of beetle that belongs to a group called the Mordellidae family. These beetles are often known as "tumbling flower beetles" because of how they move. This specific species was first discovered and described in 1936.
Quick facts for kids Mordella enerosa |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | |
Phylum: | |
Class: | |
Order: | |
Suborder: | |
Family: |
Mordellidae
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Subfamily: |
Mordellinae
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Tribe: |
Mordellini
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Genus: |
Mordella
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Species: |
M. enerosa
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Binomial name | |
Mordella enerosa Píc, 1936
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Contents
What is Mordella enerosa?
Mordella enerosa is a small insect, part of the huge beetle family. Like all beetles, it has a hard outer shell that protects its body. It's a member of the Mordella genus, which means it shares many features with other beetles in that group. Scientists first identified this beetle in 1936, giving it its unique name.
About Tumbling Flower Beetles
Mordella enerosa is part of the Mordellidae family, commonly called "tumbling flower beetles." This name comes from their interesting way of moving. When they are disturbed, they often tumble or jump around quickly, almost like they are doing acrobatics!
What Makes Them Special?
Tumbling flower beetles have a unique body shape. They are usually wedge-shaped, meaning they are wider at the front and narrower at the back. Their heads are often tucked under their bodies, and they have a pointed tip at the end of their abdomen. This shape helps them move easily through flowers.
Where Do They Live?
These beetles are found all over the world, especially in warmer areas. They love to hang out on flowers, which is why they are called "flower beetles." You can often spot them on different types of plants, especially those with lots of pollen and nectar.
What Do They Eat?
Most tumbling flower beetles, including Mordella enerosa, are herbivores. This means they eat plant material. Their main diet consists of pollen and nectar from flowers. They play a small role in pollination as they move from flower to flower. Some species might also eat decaying wood or fungi.
Life Cycle of a Beetle
Like all beetles, Mordella enerosa goes through a complete metamorphosis. This means it has four main stages in its life:
- Egg: The life cycle begins when the female beetle lays tiny eggs, often in cracks in wood or in plant stems.
- Larva: After hatching, the eggs turn into larvae. These larvae are usually worm-like and spend their time eating and growing. For tumbling flower beetles, the larvae often live inside decaying wood or plant stems, feeding on the plant material.
- Pupa: Once the larva is big enough, it changes into a pupa. This is a resting stage where the beetle transforms from a larva into an adult. It's a bit like a cocoon.
- Adult: Finally, the adult beetle emerges from the pupa. The adult beetles are the ones you see flying around and visiting flowers. Their main job is to find a mate and lay eggs to start the cycle all over again.
How Big Are They?
Tumbling flower beetles are generally quite small. Most species are only a few millimeters long, usually ranging from 2 to 15 millimeters. Mordella enerosa would fit within this size range, making it a tiny but interesting creature to observe.