Mordellistena palpalis facts for kids

Mordellistena palpalis is a small beetle species. It belongs to the genus Mordellistena and the family Mordellidae. A scientist named Champion first described this beetle in 1891. These beetles are often called "tumbling flower beetles" because of their unique way of moving.

What are Tumbling Flower Beetles?

Tumbling flower beetles are a group of insects known for their special body shape. They have a hump-backed body and a head that points downwards. Their bodies are usually wedge-shaped. This shape helps them move quickly, especially when they are on flowers.

Body Features

These beetles are usually small, often less than 12 millimeters long. They have soft bodies and can be black, brown, or yellow. Many have patterns of fine hairs on their bodies. Their legs are strong, especially their back legs. This helps them jump and tumble.

Where They Live

Tumbling flower beetles live all over the world. They prefer warm and sunny places. You can often find them in meadows, gardens, and fields. They like areas with many flowering plants.

Life Cycle and Diet

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

What Larvae Eat

The larvae of these beetles usually live inside plants. They often feed on decaying wood or plant stems. Some larvae might also live in the stems of weeds. They tunnel through the plant material as they grow.

What Adults Eat

Adult tumbling flower beetles mostly eat pollen and nectar. They are important pollinators. They visit many different types of flowers to find food. As they move from flower to flower, they help plants reproduce.

Behavior

Tumbling flower beetles get their name from their behavior. When they feel threatened, they often tumble or jump away. They can also quickly flip themselves over if they land on their back. This quick movement helps them escape from predators.

See also

In Spanish: Mordellistena palpalis para niños