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Phaea johni facts for kids

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Phaea johni
Scientific classification
Genus:
Phaea
Species:
johni

Phaea johni is a type of beetle that belongs to the family Cerambycidae. This family is also known as the longhorn beetles because many of them have very long antennae. A scientist named Chemsak first described Phaea johni in 1999. This specific beetle is found in the country of Panama.

What is a Longhorn Beetle?

Longhorn beetles are a large group of insects. They are famous for their long antennae. These antennae can sometimes be longer than their entire body! Beetles use their antennae to feel their way around and to smell things. There are many different kinds of longhorn beetles all over the world.

Appearance of Longhorn Beetles

Longhorn beetles come in many sizes and colors. Some are very small, while others can be quite large. Their bodies are usually hard and shiny. This hard outer shell helps protect them. Many longhorn beetles have interesting patterns or bright colors. These colors can help them blend in or warn predators.

Where Do They Live?

Phaea johni lives in Panama. Panama is a country in Central America. It has warm weather and lots of rainforests. Many longhorn beetles live in forests. They can be found on trees, logs, or even flowers. Different species prefer different types of trees. Some live in dead wood, while others live in living trees.

What Do Longhorn Beetles Eat?

Most longhorn beetle larvae (young beetles) eat wood. They tunnel through the wood as they grow. This can be dead wood or sometimes living trees. Adult longhorn beetles often eat nectar or pollen from flowers. Some adults do not eat at all. They just focus on finding a mate and laying eggs.

Life Cycle of a Beetle

Like many insects, beetles go through a process called complete metamorphosis. This means they change a lot during their life.

Egg Stage

The life of a Phaea johni beetle starts as a tiny egg. The female beetle lays her eggs in cracks in wood. She might also lay them under tree bark. The eggs are very small and hard to see.

Larva Stage

After a while, the eggs hatch into larvae. These larvae are often called "grubs." They look like small, white worms. Longhorn beetle larvae have strong jaws. They use these jaws to chew through wood. They spend most of their lives in this stage. They eat and grow, shedding their skin several times.

Pupa Stage

Once the larva is big enough, it changes into a pupa. The pupa stage is a resting stage. The larva builds a special chamber in the wood. Inside this chamber, it transforms. It doesn't eat or move much during this time. This is where the larva changes into an adult beetle.

Adult Stage

Finally, the adult beetle comes out of the pupa. The adult beetle has wings and can fly. Its main job is to find a mate and lay eggs. This continues the life cycle. Adult beetles usually live for a shorter time than the larvae.

See also

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