Mordellistena castaneicolor facts for kids

The Mordellistena castaneicolor is a tiny, interesting beetle. It belongs to a group of beetles called Mordellistena, which are part of the Mordellidae family. This particular beetle was first officially described in 1891 by a scientist named George Charles Champion.

What is a Mordellistena Beetle?

Mordellistena beetles are often called "tumbling flower beetles." This is because they have a unique, pointed body shape and can move very quickly, almost like they are tumbling. They are usually small, often less than 10 millimeters long.

Where Do They Live?

These beetles are found all over the world, especially in places with lots of flowers. They like warm climates and can be seen in gardens, fields, and forests.

What Do They Eat?

Adult Mordellistena beetles mostly feed on pollen and nectar from flowers. This makes them important for helping plants reproduce, just like bees! Their larvae (the young beetles) usually live inside decaying wood or plant stems, where they eat the plant material.

Discovering Mordellistena castaneicolor

The Mordellistena castaneicolor was first identified and named by George Charles Champion in 1891. Champion was a British entomologist, which means he was a scientist who studied insects. He spent a lot of time exploring and collecting different kinds of beetles.

Champion's Work

George Charles Champion was known for his detailed studies of insects, especially those from Central and South America. His work helped scientists understand more about the many different types of beetles living around the world. When he described Mordellistena castaneicolor, he gave it its scientific name, which helps all scientists know exactly which beetle they are talking about.

Life Cycle of a Beetle

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

• Egg: The life cycle starts when the female beetle lays tiny eggs, often on plants.
• Larva: After hatching, the eggs become larvae. These are like small worms and spend their time eating and growing. For Mordellistena beetles, larvae often live inside plants.
• Pupa: Once the larva is big enough, it changes into a pupa. This is a resting stage where the beetle transforms inside a protective casing.
• Adult: Finally, the adult beetle emerges from the pupa. It will then find a mate and lay its own eggs, starting the cycle all over again.

See also

In Spanish: Mordellistena castaneicolor para niños