Polyphylla crinita

LeConte, 1856

Long-haired June Beetle

Polyphylla crinita, commonly known as the Long-haired , is a large scarab beetle in the Scarabaeidae. It is distinguished from closely related by the presence of setae (hair) on the pronotum. The species occurs in western North America, with records from California north to British Columbia and east to Wyoming, as well as in Baja California, Mexico. Like other members of the Polyphylla, males are attracted to lights at night and possess enlarged, fan-like used to detect female .

Polyphylla crinita by (c) Ken-ichi Ueda, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Polyphylla crinita by (c) bcislander, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by bcislander. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Polyphylla crinita: /ˌpɒlɪˈfɪlə kraɪˈnaɪtə/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Requires high-resolution photography for reliable differentiation from Polyphylla decemlineata (Ten-lined ). The critical distinguishing character is the presence of setae (hair) on the pronotum in P. crinita versus on the pronotum in P. decemlineata. This difference is subtle and not easily visible without magnification.

Images

Habitat

Specific associations are not well documented in the provided sources, though are frequently associated with sand dune habitats and areas with sandy soils. are attracted to lights at night.

Distribution

Western North America: United States (California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming), Canada (British Columbia), and Mexico (Baja California).

Seasonality

are active in summer months. Males fly at dusk and are attracted to lights after dark, ceasing activity shortly to several hours after sunset.

Behavior

Males are and attracted to artificial lights. They possess enlarged used to detect female . Based on observations of , males likely engage in rapid, irregular several meters above ground in late afternoon, transitioning to more purposeful upwind flight as dusk approaches. Males are known to stridulate (produce sound) when handled.

Similar Taxa

Polyphylla decemlineataCommonly confused with P. crinita; distinguished by (not setae) on the pronotum and typically has ten distinct longitudinal lines on the .

More Details

Taxonomic note

The synonym Polyphylla crinita nigra Casey, 1914 was described as a darker form but is not currently recognized as valid.