Phaea mariae facts for kids

Phaea mariae is a type of beetle that belongs to the family Cerambycidae. A scientist named Chemsak first described this beetle in 1999. It is known to live in Guatemala, a country in Central America.

What is Phaea mariae?

Phaea mariae is a small insect. It is part of a huge group of animals called beetles. Beetles are known for their hard outer wings. These wings protect their softer flying wings underneath. This special feature helps them survive in many different places.

Where Does Phaea mariae Live?

This beetle lives in Guatemala. Guatemala has many different types of environments. These include rainforests, mountains, and coastal areas. Beetles like Phaea mariae often live in forests. They might be found on trees or plants. They use these plants for food and shelter.

What Do Beetles Eat?

Most beetles eat plants. They might munch on leaves, wood, or even fungi. Some beetles eat other insects. We do not know exactly what Phaea mariae eats. However, many beetles in the Cerambycidae family are called "longhorn beetles." These beetles often feed on wood. They can sometimes be found on trees.

The Life Cycle of a Beetle

Beetles go through a complete life cycle. This means they change a lot as they grow. There are four main stages. These stages are egg, larva, pupa, and adult.

From Egg to Adult

First, the female beetle lays tiny eggs. These eggs hatch into larvae. Larvae often look like worms. They spend their time eating and growing. After growing enough, the larva changes into a pupa. The pupa stage is like a resting stage. During this time, the beetle transforms. Finally, the adult beetle comes out of the pupa. The adult beetle can then lay its own eggs. This cycle helps beetles continue their species.

Interesting Facts About Beetles

Beetles are the largest group of insects. There are over 350,000 known species. They live almost everywhere on Earth. You can find them in deserts, forests, and even in water. Their hard outer shell is called an exoskeleton. It acts like armor. This armor protects them from danger. Some beetles can even fly. They lift their hard outer wings to use their softer flying wings.

See also

In Spanish: Phaea mariae para niños