Mordellistena valens facts for kids

Mordellistena valens is a tiny type of beetle that belongs to a group called Mordellistena. It's part of the larger Mordellidae family, which are often called tumbling flower beetles. This specific beetle was first described by a scientist named Champion in 1891.

What is Mordellistena valens?

Mordellistena valens is a very small insect. Like all beetles, it has a hard outer shell that protects its body. Beetles are known for their tough exoskeletons and two pairs of wings. The front wings are hard and shell-like, called elytra. They cover and protect the delicate flying wings underneath.

Tumbling Flower Beetles

Mordellistena valens is part of the Mordellidae family. These beetles are often called "tumbling flower beetles." They get this name because of their unique shape and how they move. They have a humped back and a pointed abdomen. When they are on flowers, they can quickly tumble or jump away if they feel threatened.

Where Do They Live?

Most tumbling flower beetles, including species like Mordellistena valens, live in places where they can find flowers. They are often found in meadows, gardens, and forests. They like areas with lots of plants because that's where they find their food and a safe place to live.

What Do They Eat?

Adult Mordellistena valens beetles mostly feed on pollen and nectar from flowers. This makes them important pollinators, helping plants reproduce. By moving from flower to flower, they carry pollen, which helps plants make seeds and fruits.

Beetle Larvae

The young beetles, called larvae, have a different diet. Many larvae of tumbling flower beetles live inside dead wood or plant stems. They eat the decaying plant material. This helps to break down old plants and return nutrients to the soil.

Life Cycle of a Beetle

Like many insects, Mordellistena valens goes through a process called metamorphosis. This means they change a lot during their life.

Four Stages of Life

• Egg: The life cycle starts when the female beetle lays tiny eggs. She usually places them on plants or in crevices of wood.
• Larva: After hatching, the eggs turn into larvae. These larvae look like small worms. They spend their time eating and growing. They shed their skin several times as they get bigger.
• Pupa: Once the larva is fully grown, it changes into a pupa. This is a resting stage. Inside the pupa, the beetle's body transforms. It's a bit like a caterpillar turning into a butterfly inside a cocoon.
• Adult: Finally, the adult beetle emerges from the pupa. The adult beetle is ready to find a mate and start the cycle all over again.

Importance of Beetles

Beetles, including Mordellistena valens, play many important roles in nature.

• Pollinators: As adults, they help pollinate flowers, which is vital for many plants.
• Decomposers: Their larvae help break down dead wood and plant material, cleaning up the environment.
• Food Source: Beetles are also a food source for other animals, like birds, lizards, and small mammals. They are an important part of the food web.