Diplotaxis blanchardi
Vaurie, 1956
Diplotaxis blanchardi is a small scarab beetle in the Melolonthinae, described by Vaurie in 1956. The is known from scattered records across the central and eastern United States. Like other members of the Diplotaxis, are and frequently attracted to lights. The species has been documented in sand dune and grassland environments.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Diplotaxis blanchardi: /ˌdɪp.loʊˈtæksɪs ˈblæn.kər.di/
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Habitat
Sand dune systems, grasslands, and open rangeland with sandy soils. Observations include Mescalero Sand Dunes in New Mexico and similar sand prairie in the central United States.
Distribution
North America: United States (Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia). Records span the central and eastern United States with westernmost documented occurrences in New Mexico and Texas.
Seasonality
active during summer months; has been observed in June and August.
Behavior
are and attracted to lights. Has been observed congregating on low vegetation at night, presumably to intercept trails while searching for mates.
Similar Taxa
- Diplotaxis spp.Other small in the same require dissection of genitalia for definitive identification; D. blanchardi distinguished by specific male genitalic characters described by Vaurie.