Shining flower beetles
Scientific name: Phalacridae
Shining flower beetles
Scientific name: Phalacridae
Photo By Jennifer Rycenga , used under CC-BY-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
Popular belief suggests that Phalacridae feed voraciously on flower petals. However, these insects are actually scavengers of pollen and mold on flowers, which is vital for maintaining the balance in micro-ecosystems. They play a crucial but often overlooked role in controlling the spread of certain plant diseases, making them unsung heroes of the floral world.
Photo By Jennifer Rycenga , used under CC-BY-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original