Mordella luctuosa facts for kids

Mordella luctuosa is a type of beetle. It belongs to the Mordella genus. This beetle is part of the Mordellidae family. Scientists first described it in 1851.

What is Mordella luctuosa?

Mordella luctuosa is a small insect. It is a member of the large beetle group. Beetles are known for their hard outer shells. These shells protect their bodies.

Meet the Tumbling Flower Beetles

Mordella luctuosa is part of the Mordellidae family. These beetles are often called "tumbling flower beetles." This name comes from how they move. They can tumble and jump quickly. They often do this when they feel threatened.

What do they look like?

Tumbling flower beetles are usually small. They have a unique body shape. Their bodies are often wedge-shaped. They also have a pointed tail end. This shape helps them move easily. Their colors can vary. Many are dark, like black or brown. Some might have patterns.

Where do they live?

These beetles live in many places. They are found around the world. They often live near flowers. This is because they feed on pollen. They can be seen in gardens and fields. Forests are also common homes for them.

Life Cycle of a Beetle

Like all beetles, Mordella luctuosa goes through a full life cycle. This process is called complete metamorphosis. It has four main stages.

From Egg to Adult

The life cycle starts with an egg. The female beetle lays tiny eggs. These eggs hatch into larvae. Larvae are like small worms. They spend their time eating and growing. They often live inside decaying wood. Some larvae might live in plant stems.

After growing enough, the larva changes. It becomes a pupa. The pupa stage is a resting period. During this time, the beetle transforms. It changes from a larva into an adult. Finally, an adult beetle emerges. The adult beetle will then find a mate. This starts the cycle all over again.

What do Tumbling Flower Beetles eat?

Adult tumbling flower beetles mostly eat pollen. They visit flowers to find food. This makes them important. They help pollinate plants. Pollination helps plants make seeds. Some species might also eat nectar. Nectar is a sweet liquid from flowers.

The larvae have a different diet. They usually eat decaying wood. Some might eat fungi. Others feed on plant tissues. Their diet depends on the specific species.

Why are they called Tumbling Flower Beetles?

The name "tumbling flower beetle" is very fitting. When disturbed, these beetles can jump. They also tumble around. This quick movement helps them escape danger. They are very agile. This makes them hard for predators to catch. They are often found on flowers. This is where they get their food.