Rhizotrogus granatensis facts for kids

Rhizotrogus granatensis is a special kind of beetle that lives only in Spain. It belongs to a group of beetles called Melolonthinae, which are also known as chafers or May beetles. This beetle was first officially described in 1955.

All About Beetles

Beetles are a huge group of insects. They make up about 25% of all known animal life forms! There are over 400,000 different kinds of beetles around the world. They can be found almost everywhere, from deserts to rainforests.

What Makes a Beetle Special?

Beetles have a unique body structure. Their front wings are hard and shell-like. These hard wings are called elytra (say: EH-lih-truh). They protect the beetle's softer flying wings underneath. When a beetle flies, it lifts its elytra to use its hidden wings.

Beetles also have strong jaws, called mandibles. They use these jaws for many things. They can chew food, dig tunnels, or even fight. Their bodies are usually divided into three main parts:

• The head has their eyes and antennae.
• The thorax is the middle part where their legs and wings are attached.
• The abdomen is the last part, which holds their digestive system.

Where Do Beetles Live?

Beetles live in many different places. Some live in the soil, like the Rhizotrogus granatensis. Others live on plants, in trees, or even in water. They are found on every continent except Antarctica. This specific beetle, Rhizotrogus granatensis, is endemic to Spain. This means it is only found naturally in Spain and nowhere else in the world.

What Do Beetles Eat?

Beetles have many different diets. Some beetles eat plants, like leaves, roots, or fruits. Others are predators and hunt smaller insects. Some beetles even eat dead animals or decaying wood. The diet of Rhizotrogus granatensis likely involves plant roots, as many beetles in its family (Scarabaeidae) are known to feed on them.

Beetle Life Cycle

Like many insects, beetles go through a process called complete metamorphosis. This means they change completely during their lives. It involves four main stages:

Egg Stage

A female beetle lays her eggs. She might lay them on plants, in the soil, or in decaying wood. The eggs are usually very small.

Larva Stage

After hatching from an egg, a beetle is in its larva stage. Larvae often look like worms or grubs. They spend their time eating and growing. They shed their skin several times as they get bigger. The larvae of Rhizotrogus granatensis likely live underground and feed on plant roots.

Pupa Stage

Once the larva is fully grown, it changes into a pupa. During this stage, the beetle doesn't eat or move much. Inside the pupa, the larva's body completely transforms into an adult beetle. It's a bit like a caterpillar changing into a butterfly inside a cocoon.

Adult Stage

Finally, the adult beetle emerges from the pupa. The adult beetle's main job is to find a mate and reproduce. After mating, the female lays eggs, and the life cycle starts all over again. Adult beetles often live for a shorter time than their larvae.