Cotinis aliena

Woodruff, 2008

Keys green June beetle

Cotinis aliena, commonly known as the Keys green June beetle, is a critically imperiled scarab beetle to extreme southern Florida. The has not been observed since 1998 and is known from only four localities: three in the Florida Keys and one in southern peninsular Florida. Its extreme rarity and apparent extirpation risk make it one of North America's most endangered species.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Cotinis aliena: /ˈkoʊtɪnɪs æˈliənə/

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Identification

Distinguished from the widespread and common Cotinis nitida (green June beetle) by geographic restriction to the Florida Keys and extreme southern Florida. No reliable morphological distinguishing features are documented in available sources.

Habitat

Specific requirements are undocumented. Based on the few known localities, the likely occupied subtropical hardwood habitats or coastal environments in the Florida Keys region.

Distribution

to the Florida Keys and southern peninsular Florida, USA. Known from only three localities in the Florida Keys and one locality in southern peninsular Florida.

Human Relevance

The has become a symbol of extinction risk in North American insects due to its extreme rarity and lack of observations since 1998. Development and use are the primary suspected threats to its survival.

Similar Taxa

Cotinis nitidaWidespread common green June beetle throughout eastern North America; C. aliena restricted to Florida Keys and adjacent mainland

More Details

Conservation Status

Critically imperiled. No specimens have been collected since 1998 despite targeted surveys. The is considered potentially extinct or functionally extinct.