Mordella sp.

Mordella is a genus of tumbling flower beetle. The adult makes highly irregular movements when trying to escape from predators, hence the name tumbling flower beetle. They also have enlarged hind femurs for improved movement that aids in this irregular movement. The larvae are dead wood borers and stem borers.  

Order: Coleoptera
Family: Mordellidae
Species: Mordella sp.

Photograph: © 2010 RKD Peterson
Date of Photograph: 27 July 2010
Location: Montana, Gallatin Co. (45^o45'59" N 110^o58'57" W)