Mordellistena leai facts for kids

Mordellistena leai is a tiny type of beetle that belongs to the family Mordellidae. It was first officially described in 1937 by a scientist named Eugene Ray. This small beetle was discovered in Puerto Rico, an island in the Caribbean Sea.

What is Mordellistena leai?

Mordellistena leai is a very small insect. It's a type of beetle, which means it has a hard outer shell that protects its body. Beetles are known for their tough exoskeletons and two pairs of wings, though the front pair is usually hardened into wing covers.

How Big is This Beetle?

This particular beetle is quite small. It measures about 2.4 mm (0.094 in) long. That's less than a quarter of a centimeter! If you include its special tail-like part, called an anal stylus, it can be up to 3.6 mm (0.14 in) long. Its antennae, which it uses to feel and smell its surroundings, are about 1 mm (0.039 in) long. Imagine how tiny that is!

Where Does Mordellistena leai Live?

This beetle is found in Puerto Rico. This means it is a native species to the island. Puerto Rico has a warm, tropical climate with lots of different plants and animals. Beetles like Mordellistena leai often live in forests or areas with plenty of vegetation. They might be found on plants, flowers, or decaying wood.

The Mordellidae Family

Mordellistena leai belongs to the Mordellidae family, which is also known as the "tumbling flower beetles." These beetles get their name because they often tumble or jump when disturbed. They are usually small and have a distinctive body shape that tapers (gets narrower) towards the back. Many of them have a pointed tail-like structure, like the anal stylus mentioned for Mordellistena leai.

Life Cycle of a Beetle

Like many insects, Mordellistena leai goes through a complete metamorphosis during its life. This means it changes a lot as it grows.

Stages of Life

• Egg: The life cycle starts when the female beetle lays tiny eggs, often on plants or in decaying wood.
• Larva: After hatching, the egg becomes a larva. Larvae are like small worms and spend their time eating and growing. For tumbling flower beetles, larvae often live inside plant stems or decaying wood.
• Pupa: Once the larva is big enough, it changes into a pupa. This is a resting stage where the beetle transforms. It might look like a motionless capsule.
• Adult: Finally, the adult beetle emerges from the pupa. The adult beetle is what we usually see flying around. Its main job is to find a mate and lay eggs to start the cycle all over again.

Why Are Beetles Important?

Beetles, including tiny ones like Mordellistena leai, play important roles in their ecosystems. They can help with:

• Pollination: Some beetles visit flowers and help move pollen, just like bees.
• Decomposition: Many beetles, especially their larvae, help break down dead plants and animals. This returns nutrients to the soil.
• Food Chain: Beetles are a food source for other animals, such as birds, lizards, and other insects.

Even though Mordellistena leai is very small, it is a part of the amazing variety of life found in Puerto Rico.

See also

In Spanish: Mordellistena leai para niños