Mordellistena instabilis facts for kids

The Mordellistena instabilis is a tiny beetle that belongs to a group often called "tumblebugs" or "tumbling flower beetles." It's part of the Mordellistena genus within the Mordellidae family. This particular species was first described in 1891 by a scientist named George Charles Champion.

Meet the Tumbling Flower Beetle

Mordellistena instabilis is a type of beetle known for its unique way of moving. When it lands on a flower, it often tumbles around, which is how it got its common name, the "tumbling flower beetle." These beetles are quite small, usually only a few millimeters long.

What Does It Look Like?

Like all beetles, Mordellistena instabilis has a hard outer shell that protects its body. It has six legs and two antennae that it uses to sense its surroundings. The exact colors can vary, but many tumbling flower beetles are dark, sometimes with patterns. Their bodies are often wedge-shaped, which helps them move easily among flower petals.

Where Does It Live?

These beetles are usually found in areas where there are lots of flowers. They are often seen on various types of blossoms, especially during warmer months. They live in different parts of the world, depending on the specific species. Mordellistena instabilis was first found in Central America, specifically in Panama.

What Does It Eat?

Adult tumbling flower beetles, including Mordellistena instabilis, mostly feed on pollen and nectar from flowers. They play a role in pollination as they move from flower to flower. The larvae (young beetles) of these species often live inside decaying wood or plant stems, where they feed on the plant material.

Life Cycle of a Tumbling Flower Beetle

The life cycle of Mordellistena instabilis starts with an egg. The female beetle lays her eggs in suitable places, often near plants that the larvae can feed on. Once the eggs hatch, tiny larvae emerge. These larvae spend their time growing and developing, usually hidden within plants. After they have grown enough, they change into pupae. The pupa stage is a resting period where the beetle transforms into its adult form. Finally, an adult beetle emerges from the pupa, ready to find food and reproduce, starting the cycle all over again.

Who Discovered This Beetle?

Mordellistena instabilis was officially described in 1891 by George Charles Champion. He was a British entomologist, which means he was a scientist who studied insects. Champion spent a lot of time exploring and collecting insects, especially beetles, in different parts of the world, including Central America. His work helped us learn about many new species.

See also

• Beetle
• Mordellidae
• George Charles Champion