Tomoxia spinifer facts for kids

Tomoxia spinifer is a fascinating type of beetle. It belongs to a group of beetles known as Tomoxia, which are part of the larger Mordellidae family. These beetles are sometimes called "tumbling flower beetles" because of how they move. This particular species was first described by a scientist named George Charles Champion in 1891.

Discovering Tomoxia Spinifer

Tomoxia spinifer was officially named and described over a century ago. George Charles Champion was a British entomologist, a scientist who studies insects. He spent a lot of time exploring and documenting new species. His work helped us learn more about the incredible variety of insects on Earth.

What Makes a Beetle Special?

Beetles are the largest group of insects on the planet. There are hundreds of thousands of different kinds! They all belong to an order called Coleoptera. A key feature of beetles is their hard front wings, called elytra. These wings act like a protective shield for their delicate flying wings underneath.

The Mordellidae Family: Tumbling Flower Beetles

Tomoxia spinifer is part of the Mordellidae family. Beetles in this family are often small to medium-sized. They have a unique body shape that looks a bit like a wedge. Their heads are usually tucked under their bodies.

Why are they called "Tumbling Flower Beetles"?

These beetles get their nickname from their behavior. They are often found on flowers, where they feed on pollen and nectar. If they feel threatened, they can quickly tumble or jump away. This quick, tumbling movement helps them escape from predators.

Where Do Tomoxia Spinifer Live?

Like many beetles, Tomoxia spinifer likely lives in areas where they can find their food and lay their eggs. Many species in the Mordellidae family are found in forests and meadows. They prefer places with lots of flowering plants.

Beetle Habitats

Beetles can live in almost any environment. You can find them in deserts, forests, grasslands, and even near water. Their tough outer shell helps them survive in many different conditions. For Tomoxia spinifer, it's likely a warm, plant-rich environment.

The Life Cycle of a Beetle

All beetles go through a complete metamorphosis. This means they have four main stages in their life.

Stages of Life

• Egg: The life cycle begins when the female beetle lays tiny eggs. These eggs are often laid on plants or in wood.
• Larva: After hatching, the eggs turn into larvae. Larvae are often worm-like and spend their time eating and growing. For tumbling flower beetles, the larvae usually live inside decaying wood or plant stems.
• Pupa: Once the larva is big enough, it changes into a pupa. This is a resting stage where the beetle transforms. It's like a cocoon for butterflies.
• Adult: Finally, the adult beetle emerges from the pupa. The adult beetle's main job is to reproduce and lay new eggs.

What Do Tomoxia Spinifer Eat?

Adult tumbling flower beetles, including Tomoxia spinifer, typically feed on pollen and nectar from flowers. This makes them important pollinators for some plants.

Larval Diet

The larvae of Mordellidae beetles usually feed on decaying wood or plant stems. They help break down dead plant material, which is an important job in nature.

Fun Facts About Beetles

• Beetles use their antennae to smell and feel their surroundings.
• Some beetles can fly very fast, while others can't fly at all.
• Beetles play many roles in ecosystems, from breaking down dead material to pollinating plants.
• The largest beetle in the world is the Goliath beetle, which can be as big as your hand!

See also

In Spanish: Tomoxia spinifer para niños