Mordellistena ferruginea facts for kids

Mordellistena ferruginea is a tiny, active beetle that belongs to the family Mordellidae. These beetles are sometimes called "tumbling flower beetles" because of their unique way of moving. This specific beetle was first described in 1801 by a scientist named Johan Christian Fabricius.

What is a Tumbling Flower Beetle?

Mordellistena ferruginea is part of a group of beetles known as tumbling flower beetles. They get this name because they can tumble and jump around quickly, especially when they are disturbed. They are usually small, often only a few millimeters long.

Appearance and Characteristics

These beetles have a special body shape. They are often wedge-shaped, meaning they are wider at the front and get narrower towards the back. Their bodies are usually covered in fine hairs. One of their most noticeable features is their pointed abdomen, which sticks out past their wing covers. This long, pointed tip helps them move around and even jump.

Colors and Sizes

Tumbling flower beetles come in many different colors, from black and brown to metallic shades. Mordellistena ferruginea typically has a reddish-brown or "ferruginous" color, which is where its name comes from. Most species in this family are quite small, usually less than 10 millimeters (about 0.4 inches) long.

Where Do They Live?

Tumbling flower beetles like Mordellistena ferruginea are found in many parts of the world. They prefer places where there are lots of flowers, as they often visit blossoms to feed. You might find them in gardens, meadows, forests, and other areas with plenty of plants.

Habitat and Environment

These beetles are commonly seen on flowers during the daytime. They are important visitors to flowers, often helping to pollinate them as they move from one plant to another. They are usually found in warmer climates, but some species can live in cooler regions too.

What Do They Eat?

Adult Mordellistena ferruginea beetles primarily feed on pollen and nectar from flowers. This diet makes them important pollinators for many plants. They use their small mouthparts to collect the tiny pollen grains and sip nectar.

Larval Diet and Development

The young beetles, called larvae, have a different diet. Most Mordellidae larvae live inside dead or decaying wood, plant stems, or even fungi. They tunnel through these materials, feeding on the decaying matter. This helps break down dead plants and recycle nutrients in the environment.

Life Cycle of a Beetle

Like all beetles, Mordellistena ferruginea goes through a complete metamorphosis. This means they have four main stages in their life: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.

Reproduction and Eggs

Female beetles lay their tiny eggs in places where the larvae will have food once they hatch. For tumbling flower beetles, this often means laying eggs on or near dead wood or plant stems.

Larval Stage

Once the eggs hatch, the larvae emerge. These larvae are usually worm-like and spend their time burrowing and feeding within their chosen food source. They grow by shedding their skin several times, a process called molting.

Pupal Stage

After the larva has grown enough, it enters the pupal stage. During this stage, the larva transforms into an adult beetle. The pupa is usually inactive and doesn't feed. This is a resting stage where big changes happen inside its body.

Adult Stage

Finally, the adult beetle emerges from the pupa. The adult Mordellistena ferruginea then seeks out flowers to feed on pollen and nectar, and to find a mate to start the life cycle all over again.