Northern and Southern Masked Chafers

Pronunciation
/North-er-n and South-er-n Masked Cha-fers/
Category
Taxonomy
Singular
Northern Masked Chafer
Plural
Northern and Southern Masked Chafers

Definition

Two species of scarab beetles, Cyclocephala borealis (northern) and Cyclocephala lurida (southern), that are considered among the most destructive insect pests of turfgrass in the Midwest and Central U.S.

Etymology

From their common name, which refers to their appearance and the fact that they are often found together.

Example

Northern masked chafer adults are dull yellow-brown beetles, while southern masked chafers are more shiny and reddish-brown.

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