Mordellidae (Tumbling Flower Beetles)
Tumbling Flower Beetles are often found on flowers. With even slight disturbance, they are likely to jump or tumble to the ground, thereby making their escape. They range in size from small to medium. The wing-covers are oval-shaped, broader in front than behind, with a pointed abdomen protruding from the posterior. These beetles are usually black. The hind legs are rather long, which probably facilitates the capacity to jump and escape. Adults feed on pollen, if not the flowers themselves, while the larvae feed on rotting wood, fungi, or the pith of stems.
Tumbling Flower Beetles are often found on flowers. With even slight disturbance, they are likely to jump or tumble to the ground, thereby making their escape. They range in size from small to medium. The wing-covers are oval-shaped, broader in front than behind, with a pointed abdomen protruding from the posterior. These beetles are usually black. The hind legs are rather long, which probably facilitates the capacity to jump and escape. Adults feed on pollen, if not the flowers themselves, while the larvae feed on rotting wood, fungi, or the pith of stems.
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Hilty, J. Editor. 2013. Insect Visitors of Illinois Wildflowers. World Wide Web electronic publication. illinoiswildflowers.info, version (05/2013)
See: Abbreviations for Insect Activities, Abbreviations for Scientific Observers, References for behavioral observations
