Mordellistena sanguinicollis facts for kids

The Mordellistena sanguinicollis is a tiny type of beetle that belongs to a group called Mordellistena. These beetles are part of the Mordellidae family, which are often known as "tumbling flower beetles." This specific beetle was first officially described by a scientist named Champion in the year 1891.

What is a Tumbling Flower Beetle?

Tumbling flower beetles are a family of small, often dark-colored beetles. They get their name because they are very active and often "tumble" or jump around on flowers. They are usually found on various plants, especially where flowers are blooming. These beetles play a role in nature by helping with pollination or by being part of the food chain for other animals.

Appearance and Size

Mordellistena sanguinicollis is a small beetle, like most in its family. These beetles typically measure only a few millimeters long. They have a unique body shape that looks like a wedge, with a pointed abdomen. Their bodies are often covered in fine hairs, which can give them a dull or velvety look. The name sanguinicollis hints at a reddish color ("sanguine" means blood-red, "collis" refers to the neck or collar area), suggesting it might have some red markings, perhaps on its head or thorax.

Where Do They Live?

Like many other Mordellistena species, Mordellistena sanguinicollis likely lives in areas where there are plenty of flowering plants. This could include meadows, gardens, forests, or fields. They are often found in temperate regions around the world. These beetles are attracted to flowers because that is where they find their food and mates.

What Do They Eat?

Adult tumbling flower beetles, including Mordellistena sanguinicollis, mainly feed on pollen and nectar from flowers. This makes them important visitors to many plants, as they can help carry pollen from one flower to another, aiding in plant reproduction. The larvae (young beetles) of Mordellistena species usually live inside plant stems or decaying wood. They feed on the plant tissues or fungi found there.

Life Cycle of the Beetle

Like all beetles, Mordellistena sanguinicollis goes through a complete metamorphosis. This means it changes a lot during its life, passing through four main stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.

Eggs and Larvae

The female beetle lays tiny eggs, often on or near the plants that the larvae will eat. Once the eggs hatch, small, worm-like creatures called larvae emerge. These larvae are usually pale and soft-bodied. They spend their time hidden inside plant stems or dead wood, where they feed and grow. As they grow, they shed their skin several times in a process called molting.

Pupae and Adults

After the larva has grown enough, it forms a pupa. The pupa is a resting stage where the beetle transforms from a larva into an adult. This stage can last for a few weeks or even months, depending on the species and the environment. Once the transformation is complete, the adult Mordellistena sanguinicollis beetle emerges. The adult beetle's main job is to find a mate and reproduce, starting the life cycle all over again.

See also

In Spanish: Mordellistena para niños