Habitat
Adults: terrestrial
Immatures: terrestrial

Feeding Habits
Adults:

Immatures: predaceous

North American
Species: 204

Coleoptera Mordellidae
Tumbling flower beetles

Special Characteristics: Most species of Mordellidae are under 8 mm long. These beetles have a characteristic humpbacked shape, with the head bent downwards, and a long pointed abdomen and long hind legs. The colour is variable, but most are black or gray and the body is covered with scales or setae.

Comments: The larvae of most species are predaceous but a few are stem and leaf miners. They are commonly found on flowers, especially composites, in midsummer. The larvae are common in rotting wood and dead branches. They are active beetles and run or fly rapidly when disturbed.

Species:
Mordella melaena Germar

Common Name:

Distribution:
Ontario and Manitoba

Comments:
This species occurs on various flowers. It is between 5 and 6.5 mm in length.