Mordellistena canariensis facts for kids

Mordellistena canariensis is a tiny beetle that belongs to a group called Mordellistena. These beetles are part of the larger Mordellidae family, which is known for its unique body shape. This specific beetle was first officially described in 1965 by a scientist named Ermisch.

What is a Mordellistena Canariensis?

Mordellistena canariensis is a type of insect. Like all beetles, it has a hard outer shell that protects its body. Beetles are the largest group of insects on Earth, and they can be found almost everywhere. This particular beetle is quite small, often only a few millimeters long.

What Does It Look Like?

Most beetles in the Mordellistena group have a special body shape. They are often wedge-shaped, meaning they are wider at the front and get narrower towards the back. They also have a pointed tail-like part. Their bodies are usually covered in fine hairs. The colors can vary, but many are dark, like black or brown. These features help them move quickly and hide.

Where Does It Live?

The name canariensis gives us a big clue about where this beetle lives! It means "from the Canary Islands". The Canary Islands are a group of islands in the Atlantic Ocean near the coast of Africa. They are part of Spain. These islands have a special climate and many unique plants and animals. This beetle is likely found in specific habitats on these islands, perhaps among certain types of plants.

Life Cycle of a Beetle

Like all insects, Mordellistena canariensis goes through different stages in its life, which is called a life cycle. This process is known as complete metamorphosis.

• Egg: The life of a beetle starts as a tiny egg. The female beetle lays these eggs, often on plants or in the soil.
• Larva: After hatching, the egg turns into a larva. Larvae look very different from adult beetles. They are often worm-like and spend their time eating and growing. For Mordellistena beetles, their larvae might live inside plant stems or decaying wood.
• Pupa: Once the larva has grown enough, it changes into a pupa. During this stage, the beetle rests and transforms inside a protective casing. It doesn't move or eat much.
• Adult: Finally, the pupa changes into an adult beetle. The adult beetle's main job is to find a mate and reproduce, starting the cycle all over again. Adult Mordellistena beetles are often seen on flowers, where they might feed on pollen or nectar.

See also

In Spanish: Mordellistena canariensis para niños