Mordella summermanae facts for kids

Mordella summermanae is a tiny beetle species. It belongs to a group of beetles called Mordella. Scientists discovered this beetle in 1939. It is part of the Mordellidae family, which are often called "tumbling flower beetles" because of how they move.

What is Mordella summermanae?

Mordella summermanae is a type of insect. Like all insects, it has six legs and a body divided into three main parts: a head, a thorax, and an abdomen. Beetles are known for their hard outer wings, which protect their softer inner wings.

Beetle Basics

Beetles are the largest group of insects on Earth. There are hundreds of thousands of different kinds! They live in almost every habitat, from forests to deserts. Most beetles have strong biting mouthparts. They use these to chew their food.

Where Does it Live?

While we don't know the exact habitat of Mordella summermanae, most beetles in the Mordellidae family live in forests or areas with lots of plants. They are often found on flowers. This is why they are sometimes called "flower beetles."

What Does it Eat?

Many tumbling flower beetles, including those in the Mordella genus, feed on pollen and nectar. They help pollinate plants as they move from flower to flower. Some types of Mordella beetles might also eat decaying wood or fungi.

Life Cycle of a Beetle

Like many insects, Mordella summermanae goes through a process called metamorphosis. This means it changes a lot during its life. It starts as an egg, then hatches into a larva. The larva eats and grows.

After growing enough, the larva turns into a pupa. This is a resting stage. Inside the pupa, the beetle transforms. Finally, an adult beetle emerges from the pupa. The adult beetle will then find a mate and lay eggs, starting the cycle again.

See also

In Spanish: Mordella summermanae para niños