Diplotaxis pumila

Fall, 1909

Diplotaxis pumila is a small scarab beetle in the Scarabaeidae, Melolonthinae, described by Fall in 1909. It belongs to the Diplotaxis, a group of known for their on vegetation where males intercept female trails. The is documented from the southwestern United States, particularly Arizona. Like other members of its genus, it is likely attracted to lights at night and may be active during summer months following rainfall events.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Diplotaxis pumila: //ˈdɪp.ləˌtæk.sɪs ˈpjuː.mɪ.lə//

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Distribution

Recorded from the southwestern United States, specifically Arizona. The occurs in the .

Behavior

Members of the Diplotaxis are known to congregate on low vegetation at night, where males position themselves to intercept trails of females in search of mates. This has been observed in related Diplotaxis in sand dune of New Mexico and west Texas.

Similar Taxa

  • Diplotaxis (other species)Multiple Diplotaxis occur in the southwestern United States and are difficult to distinguish without examination of genitalia. D. pumila is one of many small, similar-appearing in this .

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