Cyclocephala aravaipensis
Ratcliffe, 1992
Cyclocephala aravaipensis is a of scarab beetle in the Dynastinae, first described by Brett Ratcliffe in 1992. It belongs to the masked chafer Cyclocephala, a group of beetles whose larvae are commonly known as "white " and are significant pests of turfgrass. The species epithet "aravaipensis" refers to the Aravaipa region in Arizona, indicating its known geographic association. Like other members of its genus, are small brown beetles with a distinctive dark facial marking, while larvae are cream-colored, C-shaped grubs that feed on plant roots.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Cyclocephala aravaipensis: /sɪˌkloʊsɪˈfɑlə əˌrɑːvaɪˈpɛnsɪs/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Distribution
Known from Arizona, USA, specifically associated with the Aravaipa region as indicated by its epithet. GBIF records confirm Nearctic distribution in USA: Arizona.
Similar Taxa
- Cyclocephala borealisNorthern masked chafer, similar with dark facial markings but distributed in northeastern US; larvae are major turfgrass pests
- Cyclocephala luridaSouthern masked chafer, overlapping characteristics but found in southeastern US; known for colorful appearance and similar larval damage to turf
- Cyclocephala pasadenaeSouthwestern masked chafer with similar size range and facial markings, distributed from Texas to California
- Cyclocephala hirtaAnother southwestern with comparable , often found in similar as C. pasadenae
- Cyclocephala parallelaFlorida masked chafer with similar general appearance and larval form
Sources and further reading
- BugGuide
- GBIF taxonomy match
- Catalogue of Life
- Bug Spotlight | Entomology Research Museum
- JIPM Article on Masked Chafer Grubs in Turfgrass Explains Management Techniques
- Scarabaeidae | Beetles In The Bush | Page 3
- How an International Education Program Fosters a Young Student's Interest in Entomology
- Quiz Yourself: 2020 Entomology Games Questions