Mordellistena fuscodoralis facts for kids

Mordellistena fuscodoralis is a tiny beetle that belongs to the Mordellistena genus. It is part of a larger family of beetles called Mordellidae. This specific beetle was first described in 1936 by a scientist named Ray. These beetles are known for their unique body shape, which helps them move quickly.

What is a Mordellistena Beetle?

Mordellistena beetles are often called "tumbling flower beetles." This name comes from how they move. They can tumble or jump when disturbed. These beetles are usually small. They have a special body shape. Their bodies are wedge-shaped. This means they are wider at the front and narrower at the back.

What Do They Look Like?

Most Mordellistena beetles are dark in color. They can be black, brown, or reddish-brown. They have a pointed abdomen. This pointed end sticks out beyond their wing covers. Their antennae are fairly short. They also have strong legs. These legs help them jump and move around flowers.

Where Do They Live?

Mordellistena beetles are found in many parts of the world. They often live in areas with lots of plants. You can usually spot them on flowers. They visit flowers to feed on pollen. They also feed on nectar. This makes them important for pollination. They help plants make seeds.

Life Cycle of a Beetle

Like all beetles, Mordellistena beetles go through a complete metamorphosis. This means they have four main life stages.

• Egg: The life cycle starts when the female beetle lays tiny eggs. She usually lays them on plants.
• Larva: After hatching, the eggs turn into larvae. These larvae are often worm-like. They usually live inside plant stems or decaying wood. They eat and grow during this stage.
• Pupa: Once the larva is fully grown, it changes into a pupa. The pupa stage is a resting period. Inside the pupa, the beetle transforms.
• Adult: Finally, the adult beetle emerges from the pupa. The adult beetle is what we usually see. It will then find a mate. It will lay eggs to start the cycle again.