Polyphylla pottsorum
Hardy, 1978
Polyphylla pottsorum is a of scarab beetle in the Scarabaeidae. It is a member of the diverse Polyphylla, commonly known as lined June beetles, which are characterized by their large size and distinctive . The species was described by Hardy in 1978.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Polyphylla pottsorum: /pəˈlɪfɪlə pɒtˈsɔːrəm/
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Identification
Members of the Polyphylla are distinguished from other scarab beetles by the greatly enlarged, fan-like of males, which are used to detect female . P. pottsorum can be separated from other Polyphylla by geographic range and subtle morphological differences in elytral patterning and body proportions, though specific diagnostic features for this species require examination of type material.
Images
Habitat
Sand dune systems in arid and semi-arid regions. The has been collected at light stations set up in dune , suggesting association with sandy substrates.
Distribution
Known from western Texas and southern New Mexico in the United States. GBIF records indicate presence in the Nearctic region specifically within these two states.
Seasonality
have been observed in July, based on field records from Monahans Sandhills State Park, Texas. Activity appears to be , with adults attracted to both ultraviolet and mercury-vapor light stations.
Behavior
are and strongly attracted to artificial lights. Males have been observed coming predominantly to mercury-vapor (MV) light stations, while the P. monahanensis was observed coming mostly to ultraviolet (UV) stations at the same locality, suggesting possible differential light attraction between . Males use their enlarged, to detect female .
Similar Taxa
- Polyphylla monahanensisOccurs sympatrically in the Monahans Sandhills of Texas. The two can be distinguished by their differential attraction to light types—P. pottsorum predominantly to mercury-vapor lights and P. monahanensis predominantly to ultraviolet lights—though this requires further validation.