Pleocomidae
Le Conte, 1861
Rain Beetles
Genus Guides
1- Pleocoma(rain beetles)
, known as rain beetles, is a of scarabaeoid beetles found in western North America. The family contains a single extant , Pleocoma, with two extinct genera known from the fossil record. emerge in response to rain or snow events, giving the group its . The family is considered the sister group to all remaining families of Scarabaeoidea. At least one , Pleocoma dubitabilis dubitabilis, has been documented as a pest of Christmas trees.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Pleocomidae: //ˌpliː.oʊˈkɒmɪdiː//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Habitat
Western North American environments; emerge in response to precipitation events. One has been recorded from Christmas tree plantations.
Distribution
Far western North America; Nearctic region.
Seasonality
activity triggered by rain or snow events.
Host Associations
- Christmas trees - pestPleocoma dubitabilis dubitabilis documented as pest; new record
Life Cycle
Spends most of life underground; emerge in response to precipitation.
Behavior
emerge from underground in response to rain or snow.
Human Relevance
Pleocoma dubitabilis dubitabilis has been reported as a pest of Christmas trees.
More Details
Taxonomic history
Formerly classified in Geotrupidae; now assigned to its own .
Phylogenetic position
Considered sister group to all remaining of Scarabaeoidea.
Extinct diversity
includes two extinct : Cretocoma, described in 2002.