Rhizotrogus rosalesi facts for kids

The Rhizotrogus rosalesi is a type of beetle. It belongs to a group of beetles called the Melolonthinae subfamily. This special beetle is found only in Spain, which means it is endemic to that country. It was first described in 1862.

What is a Beetle?

Beetles are a very large group of insects. They make up about 25% of all known animal species on Earth! There are over 400,000 different kinds of beetles. They live in almost every habitat, from deserts to forests.

Beetle Characteristics

Beetles have a hard outer shell. This shell protects their soft bodies. It is made of a material called chitin. Most beetles have two pairs of wings. The front pair are hard and shell-like. They are called elytra. These elytra protect the delicate flying wings underneath. When a beetle flies, it lifts its elytra to use its back wings.

Beetles also have six legs. They have antennae that help them feel and smell. Their mouths are designed for chewing. This helps them eat many different things. Some beetles eat plants, while others eat other insects.

Where Do Beetles Live?

Beetles can be found almost everywhere. They live on land and in fresh water. You might find them in gardens, forests, fields, or even inside your home! Each type of beetle has a specific habitat it prefers. The Rhizotrogus rosalesi lives only in Spain. This makes it a unique part of Spain's wildlife.

The Life Cycle of a Beetle

Like many insects, beetles go through a process called complete metamorphosis. This means they change a lot during their lives. There are four main stages in a beetle's life cycle.

Egg Stage

The life of a beetle starts as an egg. Female beetles lay their eggs in safe places. This could be in soil, on plants, or in rotting wood. The eggs are usually very small.

Larva Stage

After hatching, the egg becomes a larva. Larvae often look like worms or grubs. This is the main feeding stage for beetles. Larvae eat a lot to grow quickly. They shed their skin several times as they get bigger. This process is called molting.

Pupa Stage

Once the larva is big enough, it changes into a pupa. During this stage, the beetle rests. It does not eat or move much. Inside the pupa, the larva's body transforms. It changes into the adult beetle shape. This stage can last from a few weeks to several months.

Adult Stage

Finally, the adult beetle emerges from the pupa. The adult beetle's main job is to reproduce. They find a mate and lay eggs. This starts the whole cycle again. Adult beetles usually live for a shorter time than the larva stage.

Rhizotrogus Rosalesi and Its Habitat

The Rhizotrogus rosalesi is a type of scarab beetle. Scarab beetles are known for their strong legs. They are good at digging. Many scarab beetles live in the soil. They often feed on plant roots. This beetle is special because it is only found in Spain. This means its survival depends on the health of its Spanish habitat. Scientists study these unique beetles to understand more about them.