Mordellidae

Mordellidae is a family of beetles commonly known as tumbling flower beetles. These insects are characterized by their humped backs and a distinctive, often rapid, jerky movement when disturbed, resembling a tumbling action. They are typically small to medium-sized, ranging from 2 to 20 millimeters in length. Their coloration varies widely, with many species displaying cryptic brown or black patterns, while others exhibit brighter hues or metallic sheens.

The larvae of Mordellidae are wood-borers, often found in decaying wood, and are believed to be saproxylic, feeding on fungi or decaying plant matter within the wood. Adult beetles are primarily associated with flowers, where they feed on pollen and nectar. They are often observed on the blossoms of various plants, including composites, umbellifers, and legumes. Due to their association with flowers, they are considered pollinators, although their specific ecological role in this regard is not extensively studied for most species.

The family Mordellidae is globally distributed, with over 1,500 described species found in most temperate and tropical regions. Despite their widespread presence, many species are infrequently encountered, and taxonomic work is ongoing, with new species continually being described. Their unique morphology and behavior make them a subject of interest for entomologists studying beetle diversity and evolution.