Diplotaxis curvaticeps
Fall, 1909
Diplotaxis curvaticeps is a of scarab beetle described by Fall in 1909. It belongs to the Melolonthinae, a group commonly known as May or June beetles and . The species is distributed across parts of Central America and North America, with documented occurrences in the southwestern United States (Texas) and several Mexican states including Guanajuato, Hidalgo, Nuevo León, San Luis Potosí, and Tamaulipas. As a member of the Diplotaxis, it is part of a group of small scarab beetles often associated with sandy and activity patterns.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Diplotaxis curvaticeps: /ˌdɪpləˈtæksɪs kərˈvætɪsɛps/
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Distribution
Documented from the Nearctic and . In North America, confirmed from Texas, USA. In Central America/Mexico, recorded from Guanajuato, Hidalgo, Nuevo León, San Luis Potosí, and Tamaulipas. The appears to occupy a range spanning the Chihuahuan Desert and adjacent ecoregions.
Behavior
Has been observed congregating on low vegetation at night, apparently to intercept trails while searching for mates. This has been documented for Diplotaxis generally in sand dune of New Mexico and west Texas.
More Details
Taxonomic placement
The Diplotaxis is classified in the tribe Diplotaxini within the Melolonthinae. This tribe contains numerous small, often sandy- associated scarab beetles.
Observation notes
Diplotaxis are frequently encountered at blacklights and are active nocturnally. They are small scarabs that can be mistaken for other without close examination.