Mordella tenuipes facts for kids

Mordella tenuipes is a type of beetle that belongs to a group often called tumbling flower beetles. These beetles are known for their unique shape and how they move. This particular species was first discovered and described in 1891. It is part of the Mordella genus, which includes many similar beetles.

What is Mordella tenuipes?

Mordella tenuipes is a small insect that is part of the Mordellidae family. This family is known for beetles that have a humpbacked body shape and a pointed tail. They are also called tumbling flower beetles because they often live on flowers and can tumble or jump when disturbed.

Where do these beetles live?

Most tumbling flower beetles, including species like Mordella tenuipes, are found in warm, sunny places. They often live in areas with lots of plants and flowers. This is because they spend a lot of their time on flowers, where they find food and mates.

What do they look like?

While we don't have a specific picture of Mordella tenuipes, most beetles in the Mordella genus share similar features. They are usually small, often just a few millimeters long. Their bodies are often dark, like black or brown, and they have a distinct, pointed abdomen that sticks out past their wing covers. This pointed abdomen helps them move and jump.

Life Cycle of a Tumbling Flower Beetle

Like all beetles, Mordella tenuipes goes through a complete metamorphosis. This means it changes a lot during its life.

Egg Stage

The life cycle begins when a female beetle lays tiny eggs. She usually places them in cracks in wood, under bark, or sometimes directly on plants.

Larva Stage

After the eggs hatch, small worm-like creatures called larvae emerge. These larvae are often pale and soft-bodied. They usually live inside dead wood or plant stems, where they feed and grow. They might eat decaying wood or the inside of plant tissues.

Pupa Stage

Once a larva has grown enough, it changes into a pupa. This is a resting stage where the larva transforms into an adult beetle. The pupa doesn't move much and doesn't eat. It's like a cocoon for the beetle.

Adult Stage

Finally, the adult Mordella tenuipes beetle emerges from the pupa. The adult beetles are the ones we see flying around or on flowers. Their main job is to find a mate and lay eggs to start the cycle all over again. Adult tumbling flower beetles often feed on pollen and nectar from flowers.

Why are beetles important?

Beetles like Mordella tenuipes play a role in nature. As adults, they visit flowers, helping to move pollen from one flower to another. This process, called pollination, is very important for plants to make seeds and fruits. The larvae also help break down dead wood, which recycles nutrients back into the soil.

See also

• In Spanish: Mordella tenuipes para niños