Mordella erythrura facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mordella erythrura |
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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. erythrura
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| Binomial name | |
| Mordella erythrura Fairmaire & Germain, 1863
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The Mordella erythrura is a type of beetle. It belongs to a group of beetles called Mordella, which are part of the Mordellidae family. Scientists first discovered and named this beetle in 1863.
Contents
What is the Mordella erythrura Beetle?
The Mordella erythrura is a small insect. Like all beetles, it has a hard outer shell that protects its body. This beetle is part of a very large group of insects called Coleoptera, which means "sheathed wing." This name comes from their hard front wings, which cover their flying wings.
What are Mordellidae Beetles?
The Mordella erythrura belongs to the Mordellidae family. These beetles are often called "tumbling flower beetles." This is because they have a special shape and can move very quickly. They have a hump-backed body and a pointed tail. When they are disturbed, they can tumble or jump around.
Where Do They Live?
Most tumbling flower beetles, including the Mordella erythrura, live in places where they can find flowers. They are often found in gardens, meadows, and forests. They like warm places and are active during the day.
What Do They Eat?
Adult Mordella erythrura beetles usually feed on pollen and nectar from flowers. This makes them important for helping plants reproduce, just like bees. The larvae (young beetles) of Mordellidae beetles often live inside decaying wood or plant stems. They eat the wood or plant material as they grow.
The Life Cycle of a Beetle
Like many insects, the Mordella erythrura goes through a process called metamorphosis. This means it changes a lot during its life.
Egg Stage
The life cycle starts when a female beetle lays tiny eggs. She usually places them in places where the larvae will have food, like inside a plant stem or decaying wood.
Larva Stage
After the eggs hatch, small, worm-like creatures called larvae appear. These larvae spend their time eating and growing. They shed their skin several times as they get bigger.
Pupa Stage
Once a larva has grown enough, it changes into a pupa. During this stage, the beetle rests and transforms. It doesn't move or eat much. Inside the pupa, the larva's body changes into the adult beetle's shape.
Adult Stage
Finally, the adult beetle emerges from the pupa. The adult Mordella erythrura is now ready to find food, mate, and lay its own eggs, starting the cycle all over again.
