Tomoxia contracta facts for kids

Tomoxia contracta is a fascinating type of beetle! It belongs to a group of beetles known as Tomoxia, which are part of the Mordellidae family. A scientist named George Charles Champion first described this specific beetle in 1891.

What is Tomoxia contracta?

Tomoxia contracta is a small insect. Like all beetles, it has a tough outer shell that protects its body. Beetles are the largest group of insects, and you can find them almost everywhere on Earth!

Beetle Basics

Beetles are part of the scientific order called Coleoptera. This word comes from Greek words meaning "sheathed wing." This is because most beetles have two pairs of wings. The front pair are hard and shell-like, covering and protecting the delicate flying wings underneath.

The Mordellidae Family

Tomoxia contracta is a member of the Mordellidae family. These beetles are often called "tumbling flower beetles." They get this name because of their unique body shape and how they move.

Tumbling Flower Beetles

Mordellidae beetles usually have a hump-backed shape and a pointed abdomen (the end part of their body). They are often found on flowers, where they feed on pollen. When disturbed, they might "tumble" or quickly move away, which is how they got their nickname!

Who Discovered Tomoxia contracta?

The person who officially described Tomoxia contracta was George Charles Champion. He was a famous British entomologist, which means he studied insects. Champion described many new species of beetles during his career.

The Year 1891

When George Charles Champion described Tomoxia contracta in 1891, it was an important year for science. Scientists were busy discovering and naming many new species around the world, helping us understand the incredible diversity of life on our planet.

See also

• In Spanish: Tomoxia contracta para niños