Polyphylla comes
Casey, 1914
High Mountain June Beetle
Polyphylla comes is a large scarab beetle in the Scarabaeidae, commonly known as the High Mountain . It belongs to a noted for males with enlarged, fan-like used to detect female . The occurs in the southeastern United States. Like other Polyphylla species, it is primarily and attracted to lights.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Polyphylla comes: /ˌpɒlɪˈfɪlə ˈkoʊmiːz/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
A large, robust scarab beetle. Males possess greatly enlarged, (fan-like) with elongated antennomeres that are splayed outward when actively searching for females. The body is chunky and resembles an oversized Phyllophaga (May beetle). Specific diagnostic features distinguishing P. comes from other Polyphylla are not documented in available sources.
Images
Habitat
Found in high mountain areas of the southeastern United States. Specific microhabitat preferences are not well documented, though related in the are often associated with sandy soils and grasslands that support larval development.
Distribution
Southeastern United States: recorded from Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
Behavior
. Males are attracted to lights at night. Based on -level documentation, males likely fly in late afternoon to evening, with becoming more purposeful and upwind-oriented as dusk approaches when searching for females. Males reportedly cease activity shortly after sunset, possibly due to females ceasing release and burrowing into substrate.
Similar Taxa
- Polyphylla decemlineataSimilar large size and male ; distinguished by geographic range and specific antennal and body markings (ten distinct lines on in P. decemlineata)
- Polyphylla hammondiSimilar robust body form and male antennal structure; occurs in sand dune of the Great Plains rather than southeastern high mountains
- Phyllophaga speciesSimilar general appearance as 'June beetles' but smaller, with less dramatically enlarged male and different antennal structure