Mordellistena carinatipennis facts for kids

Mordellistena carinatipennis is a type of beetle that belongs to the Mordellistena genus. It is part of the Mordellidae family, which are often called "tumbling flower beetles." This specific beetle was first described in 1944 by a scientist named Ray.

What is a Beetle?

Beetles are a huge group of insects, making up about 25% of all known animal life forms! They are known for their hard outer shell, called an exoskeleton, which protects their bodies. Most beetles have two sets of wings. The front wings are hard and shell-like, covering and protecting the softer back wings. These back wings are used for flying.

Beetles go through a complete metamorphosis during their life cycle. This means they change completely from a larva (like a grub or worm) into an adult beetle.

About Mordellistena carinatipennis

Mordellistena carinatipennis is a small beetle. Like other beetles in the Mordellidae family, it likely has a body shape that is wider at the front and narrower at the back, almost like a wedge. This shape helps them move around in tight spaces.

Where Do They Live?

Many beetles in the Mordellistena group are found in places where there are lots of flowers. They often visit flowers to find food. Their larvae, which are the young beetles, might live inside decaying wood or plant stems.

What Do They Eat?

Adult Mordellistena carinatipennis beetles probably feed on pollen and nectar from flowers. This makes them important for pollination, helping plants reproduce. The larvae, depending on the species, might eat decaying wood or other plant materials.

How Were They Discovered?

This particular beetle, Mordellistena carinatipennis, was officially described in 1944. This means a scientist named Ray studied it carefully and gave it its scientific name, making it known to the scientific community.

See also

In Spanish: Mordellistena carinatipennis para niños