Dichelonyx
Dichelonyx
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Coleoptera
- Suborder: Polyphaga
- Superfamily: Scarabaeoidea
- Family: Scarabaeidae
- Subfamily: Melolonthinae
- Tribe: Dichelonychini
- Genus: Dichelonyx
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Dichelonyx: //dɪˈkɛləˌnɪks//
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Summary
Dichelonyx is a genus of May beetles and junebugs in the family Scarabaeidae, with at least 30 described species. They are known for causing defoliation in trees during their adult feeding stage.
Physical Characteristics
5.6-14.5 mm in size; tarsal claws cleft at tip. The genus can be separated into two groups based on the presence of a longitudinal groove on the pronotum vs a faintly impressed mid-line.
Identification Tips
Species can be identified based on the presence of a longitudinal groove or a faintly impressed mid-line on the pronotum.
Habitat
On shoots and young leaves of herbaceous or woody plants, sometimes on flowers.
Distribution
Nearctic transcontinental, from Canada to Mexico.
Diet
Adults feed in spring on the leaves of trees, frequently conifers, sometimes causing conspicuous defoliation. Larvae feed on roots.
Life Cycle
Takes 2-3 years to complete life cycle.
Collecting Methods
- Light trapping
- Manual collection from foliage
Preservation Methods
- Ethanol preservation
- Drying specimens
Similar Taxa
- Philochloenia
- Anaeretes
- Dichelonycha
Tags
- beetles
- scarabaeidae
- Dichelonyx
- entomology