Stenalia hispana facts for kids

Stenalia hispana is a small, interesting beetle. It belongs to a group of beetles called Stenalia and is part of the Mordellidae family. This particular beetle was first officially described in 1895 by a scientist named Schilsky.

What is Stenalia hispana?

Stenalia hispana is a type of beetle. Beetles are the largest group of insects on Earth, with over 400,000 different kinds! They are known for their hard outer wings, which protect their softer inner wings and body.

The Mordellidae Family

Stenalia hispana is a member of the Mordellidae family. These beetles are often called "tumbling flower beetles" because of their unique shape and how they move. They usually have a hump-backed body and a pointed tail. Many of them are found on flowers, where they feed on pollen.

How They Look

Most beetles in the Mordellidae family are quite small. They can be black, brown, or sometimes have patterns. Their bodies are often wedge-shaped, which helps them move around flowers.

Where They Live

While the name hispana might suggest it's found in Spain, beetles from the Stenalia genus and Mordellidae family can be found in many parts of the world. They often live in places where there are lots of flowers, like meadows, gardens, and forests.

Life Cycle of a Beetle

Like all insects, Stenalia hispana goes through a life cycle called complete metamorphosis. This means it changes a lot as it grows.

From Egg to Adult

• Egg: The life cycle starts when a female beetle lays tiny eggs.
• Larva: After hatching, the eggs turn into larvae. Larvae look like small worms or grubs. They spend their time eating and growing. For many tumbling flower beetles, the larvae live inside decaying wood or plant stems.
• Pupa: Once the larva is big enough, it changes into a pupa. During this stage, the beetle rests and transforms inside a protective casing. It doesn't eat or move much.
• Adult: Finally, the adult beetle emerges from the pupa. The adult beetle's main job is to find a mate and reproduce, starting the cycle all over again.

Discovery and Naming

Stenalia hispana was described by Schilsky in 1895. When a scientist "describes" a new species, it means they officially name it and write down all its features. This helps other scientists identify and study the beetle. Giving a species a scientific name, like Stenalia hispana, helps scientists all over the world know exactly which creature they are talking about.

See also

In Spanish: Stenalia hispana para niños