Tumbling flower beetles

Definition

Common name for beetles of the family Mordellidae, characterized by a wedge-shaped body, enlarged hind femora adapted for jumping, and a distinctive escape behavior of tumbling or springing from flowers when disturbed. Adults frequent blossoms to feed on pollen and mate; larvae typically develop in decaying wood or plant stems. The name is sometimes misapplied to scraptiid beetles (e.g., Anaspis spp.) that share floral habits and tumbling behavior but belong to a separate family.

Etymology

From the characteristic tumbling escape response and frequent occurrence on flowers.

Example

Mordella spp. and Mordellistena spp. are common tumbling flower beetles found on umbelliferous flowers in meadow habitats.

Related Terms

• Mordellidae
• Scraptiidae
• False flower beetles
• flower visitation
• pollen feeding
• jumping beetle

Usage Notes

The name is strictly applied to Mordellidae, though the similar behavior of Scraptiidae (especially Anaspis) causes frequent misidentification in field settings. Specialists distinguish the families by body form: Mordellidae have a pointed abdomen and strongly developed hind legs for jumping, while Scraptiidae are more parallel-sided with less pronounced leg modification.