Mordellistena columbretensis facts for kids

Mordellistena columbretensis is a tiny beetle that belongs to a group of beetles called Mordellistena. It's part of the Mordellidae family, which are often called "tumbling flower beetles" because of how they move. This specific beetle was first described in 1970 by a scientist named Compte.

What is a Mordellistena columbretensis?

Mordellistena columbretensis is a type of insect with a hard outer shell. Like all beetles, it has six legs and two pairs of wings, though the front pair are hardened into wing covers called elytra. These elytra protect the delicate flying wings underneath.

Beetle Basics

Beetles are the largest group of insects on Earth! There are hundreds of thousands of different kinds. They come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Many beetles play important roles in nature, like helping to break down dead plants or pollinating flowers.

Where Does This Beetle Live?

This particular beetle, Mordellistena columbretensis, is special because it is an endemic animal. This means it is only found in one specific place in the world. For this beetle, that place is the Balearic Islands.

The Balearic Islands

The Balearic Islands are a group of islands in the Mediterranean Sea, off the coast of Spain. They include popular islands like Mallorca, Menorca, and Ibiza. These islands have unique plants and animals, and Mordellistena columbretensis is one of them. It's important to protect these special creatures and their homes.

What Do Beetles Eat?

The diet of beetles can be very different depending on the species. Some beetles eat plants, while others eat fungi, or even other insects. Many beetles are important for the environment because they help recycle nutrients by eating dead wood or decaying matter.

Tumbling Flower Beetles' Diet

Mordellistena beetles, like Mordellistena columbretensis, are often found on flowers. They are sometimes called "tumbling flower beetles" because of their quick, jerky movements. Many of these beetles feed on pollen and nectar from flowers. This makes them pollinators, helping plants reproduce.

Life Cycle of a Beetle

Like many insects, beetles go through a process called complete metamorphosis. This means they change a lot during their life.

Stages of Life

• Egg: The life cycle starts when a female beetle lays tiny eggs.
• Larva: After hatching, the egg becomes a larva. Larvae often look like worms or grubs and spend most of their time eating and growing.
• Pupa: Once the larva is big enough, it changes into a pupa. During this stage, the beetle rests and transforms inside a protective casing.
• Adult: Finally, the adult beetle emerges from the pupa. The adult beetle is usually what we recognize as a beetle, and its main job is to reproduce and lay new eggs.

See also

• In Spanish: Mordellistena columbretensis para niños