Mordellistena ornatipennis facts for kids

Mordellistena ornatipennis is a fascinating type of beetle. It belongs to a group of beetles called Mordellistena, which are part of the larger Mordellidae family. This family is also known as "tumbling flower beetles" because of how they move! These beetles are part of an even bigger group called Tenebrionoidea. Scientists first officially described this specific beetle in 1939.

What is Mordellistena ornatipennis?

Mordellistena ornatipennis is a small, active beetle. Like all beetles, it has a hard outer shell that protects its body. This beetle is named for its genus, Mordellistena, and its species name, ornatipennis, which likely refers to a special pattern or look on its wings.

All About Beetles

Beetles are an amazing group of insects. They make up the largest order of insects on Earth, called Coleoptera. There are hundreds of thousands of different beetle species!

• Beetles have a tough exoskeleton, which is like an outer skeleton.
• They have two pairs of wings. The front pair are hard and shell-like, called elytra. They protect the delicate flying wings underneath.
• Beetles go through a complete metamorphosis during their life cycle. This means they change from an egg, to a larva (like a grub), to a pupa, and finally to an adult beetle.

The Mordellidae Family: Tumbling Flower Beetles

The Mordellistena ornatipennis beetle is part of the Mordellidae family. These beetles are often called "tumbling flower beetles."

• They get this name because they are very active and often found on flowers.
• When disturbed, they tend to tumble or jump away quickly.
• Most beetles in this family have a distinctive, pointed abdomen that sticks out past their wing covers.

What Do They Look Like?

Tumbling flower beetles, including those in the Mordellistena genus, are usually small to medium-sized. They often have a somewhat wedge-shaped body. Their colors can vary, but many are dark, sometimes with patterns or markings. They are often covered in fine hairs.

Where Do They Live?

Many tumbling flower beetles, like Mordellistena ornatipennis, are found on flowers. They are attracted to the pollen and nectar, which they feed on. This makes them important for pollination as they move from flower to flower. You might find them in gardens, meadows, or other areas with lots of flowering plants.

Life Cycle and Reproduction

Like other beetles, Mordellistena ornatipennis goes through four main stages in its life:

• Egg: The female beetle lays tiny eggs, often in cracks in wood or on plants.
• Larva: After hatching, the larva emerges. These larvae are often worm-like and live inside decaying wood or plant stems, feeding on the plant material.
• Pupa: The larva then changes into a pupa. During this stage, the beetle transforms from its larval form into an adult.
• Adult: Finally, the adult beetle emerges. Adults are usually found on flowers, where they feed and mate to start the cycle again.