Mordella xanthosticta facts for kids

Mordella xanthosticta is a small, interesting type of beetle. It belongs to a group of beetles often called "tumbling flower beetles." This beetle was first discovered and described in 1891. It's part of the Mordella genus, which is a big family of beetles known as Mordellidae.

What is Mordella xanthosticta?

Mordella xanthosticta is a specific kind of beetle. Its scientific name, xanthosticta, comes from Greek words. "Xanthos" means yellow, and "stictos" means spotted. This suggests the beetle might have yellow spots or markings on its body. Beetles are insects with hard wing covers. They make up the largest group of insects on Earth.

The Tumbling Flower Beetle Family

Mordella xanthosticta is a member of the Mordellidae family. These beetles are often called "tumbling flower beetles." They get this name because of how they move. When disturbed, they can tumble or flip themselves around very quickly. They often do this to escape from danger.

Where Do They Live?

Most tumbling flower beetles, including those in the Mordella genus, live in places where they can find flowers. They are often seen on flowers because they feed on pollen and nectar. This makes them important for helping plants reproduce. They can be found in many different parts of the world, especially in warmer climates.

Life Cycle of a Beetle

Like all beetles, Mordella xanthosticta goes through a complete life cycle. This means it changes a lot as it grows.

From Egg to Adult

The life cycle starts when the adult female beetle lays tiny eggs. These eggs usually hatch into larvae. Larvae are like the "baby" stage of the beetle. For tumbling flower beetles, the larvae often live inside decaying wood or plant stems. They eat the wood or plant material as they grow.

The Pupa Stage

After the larva has grown enough, it changes into a pupa. The pupa stage is a resting period. During this time, the larva transforms into an adult beetle. It's a bit like a caterpillar turning into a butterfly inside a cocoon.

Adult Beetles

Once the pupa stage is complete, an adult Mordella xanthosticta beetle emerges. The adult beetles are the ones we usually see flying around or on flowers. Their main job is to find a mate and lay eggs, starting the cycle all over again.

Discovery and Naming

This particular beetle, Mordella xanthosticta, was first identified in 1891. It was described by a scientist named George Charles Champion. Scientists give new species unique names so everyone can know exactly which creature they are talking about. The name Mordella xanthosticta helps scientists and nature lovers identify this specific beetle.

See also

• In Spanish: Mordella xanthosticta para niños