Mordella lineatipyga facts for kids

Mordella lineatipyga is a type of beetle. It belongs to a group of beetles called Mordella, which are part of the Mordellidae family. This family is also known as "tumbling flower beetles" because of how they move. Scientists first described this specific beetle in 1891.

What is a Beetle?

Beetles are a very large group of insects. They make up about 25% of all known animal species on Earth! You can find them almost everywhere. They live in forests, deserts, and even in water.

Beetle Body Parts

All beetles have a hard outer shell. This shell protects their soft bodies. It is like a suit of armor. They have six legs and two pairs of wings. The front wings are hard and called elytra. They cover and protect the softer back wings. Beetles use their back wings to fly.

Meet the Tumbling Flower Beetles

Mordella lineatipyga is a member of the Mordellidae family. These beetles are often called "tumbling flower beetles." They get this name because they are very active. They can quickly tumble or jump when they feel threatened.

Where They Live

Tumbling flower beetles are usually found on flowers. They like to visit many different types of blooms. You might see them in gardens or meadows. They are often found in warm, sunny places.

What They Eat

Most adult tumbling flower beetles eat pollen and nectar. They help plants by moving pollen from one flower to another. This process is called pollination. It helps plants make seeds and fruits.

Life Cycle of a Beetle

Like many insects, beetles go through a process called metamorphosis. This means they change a lot during their lives.

From Egg to Adult

A female beetle lays tiny eggs. These eggs hatch into larvae. Larvae are like small worms. They spend their time eating and growing. After growing enough, the larva turns into a pupa. The pupa stage is a resting stage. Inside the pupa, the beetle changes into its adult form. Finally, an adult beetle comes out of the pupa. The adult beetle will then find a mate and start the cycle again.

Why Beetles Are Important

Beetles play many important roles in nature. Some beetles help break down dead plants and animals. This returns nutrients to the soil. Other beetles, like the tumbling flower beetles, help pollinate plants. This is vital for many plants to grow and produce food. Some beetles also eat pests, which helps farmers.