Mordella reynoldsi facts for kids

Mordella reynoldsi is a type of beetle that belongs to the Mordella genus. It is part of a family of beetles called Mordellidae. Scientists first discovered and named this specific beetle in 1930.

What is Mordella Reynoldsi?

Mordella reynoldsi is a small insect. It is a member of the huge group of animals known as arthropods. Beetles are the largest group of insects on Earth. They have hard wing covers that protect their delicate flying wings.

About Tumbling Flower Beetles

Mordella reynoldsi is part of the Mordellidae family. These beetles are often called "tumbling flower beetles." This name comes from how they move. They can tumble or jump around when they are on flowers. They are usually small, often less than 1 centimeter long.

What Do They Look Like?

Tumbling flower beetles have a unique shape. Their bodies are often wedge-shaped. They are narrow at the front and wider at the back. Many have a pointed tail-like part at the end of their body. Their colors can vary, but many are dark or have patterns.

Where Do They Live?

Most tumbling flower beetles, including species like Mordella reynoldsi, live in places where flowers are common. You can often find them in meadows, gardens, and forests. They like areas with lots of plants. They are found all over the world, especially in warmer climates.

What Do They Eat?

Adult tumbling flower beetles usually feed on pollen and nectar from flowers. This makes them important for pollination. They help plants reproduce by carrying pollen from one flower to another. Some species might also eat fungi.

Life Cycle of Beetles

Like all beetles, Mordella reynoldsi goes through a complete metamorphosis. This means they have four main stages in their life.

Egg Stage

The life cycle begins when a female beetle lays tiny eggs. She often places them in cracks in wood or in decaying plants. The eggs are very small and hard to see.

Larva Stage

After hatching, the eggs turn into larvae. These larvae are often worm-like. They usually live inside decaying wood or plant stems. They spend their time eating and growing. They shed their skin several times as they get bigger.

Pupa Stage

Once the larva is fully grown, it changes into a pupa. This is a resting stage. The pupa does not move or eat. Inside the pupa, the beetle's body transforms. It changes from a larva into an adult beetle.

Adult Stage

Finally, the adult beetle emerges from the pupa. The adult beetle is ready to find a mate. It will then start the life cycle all over again by laying eggs. Adult beetles are often short-lived. Their main job is to reproduce.

Interesting Facts About Beetles

• Beetles are one of the most diverse groups of animals. There are over 400,000 known species!
• Their hard outer wings are called elytra. They protect the delicate flying wings underneath.
• Beetles can be found in almost every habitat on Earth. They live from deserts to rainforests.
• Some beetles are pests, but many are helpful. They can break down dead wood or control other insect populations.