Polyphylla variolosa

(Hentz, 1830)

Variegated June Beetle

Polyphylla variolosa, commonly known as the Variegated , is a scarab beetle in the Scarabaeidae. It is a medium-sized , approximately 2 cm in length, with reddish-brown coloration. Males possess enlarged, fan-like with seven antennomeres that are longer than those of females, which they use to detect female . The species is associated with sandy soil , particularly in coastal and Great Lakes regions of eastern North America.

Polyphylla variolosa (Melolonthidae) - (imago), Cape Cod (MA), United States by

This image is created by user B. Schoenmakers at Observation.org, a global biodiversity recording project.
. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.

Polyphylla variolosa 215580235 by Louis Imbeau. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Polyphylla variolosa 214902401 by Lynn Harper. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Polyphylla variolosa: /ˌpɒlɪˈfɪlə ˌvɛəriəˈloʊsə/

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

Identification

Distinguished from other Polyphylla by its smaller size (~2 cm) and eastern North American distribution. The seven antennomeres in the antennal club separate it from some . Males can be identified by their elongated, fan-like . The species is smaller than Polyphylla hammondi and P. decemlineata, which exceed 2.5 cm. It can be separated from Phyllophaga (May beetles) by the antennae and from other eastern Polyphylla by geographic range and specificity.

Images

Appearance

Reddish-brown body, slightly over 2 cm in length. Males have enlarged, with seven antennomeres that are longer than those of females. The antennae form a distinct club. Body form is robust and typical of the Polyphylla.

Habitat

Sandy soils, primarily in coastal regions and near the Great Lakes. Associated with dune and sandy soil where larvae can develop in the soil matrix.

Distribution

Eastern North America: Quebec and Ontario in Canada; south through the northeastern and mid-Atlantic United States to Virginia. Specific records from Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Virginia.

Seasonality

are active in June, as indicated by the . Males are attracted to lights after dusk. Activity ceases shortly to several hours after sunset.

Life Cycle

Larvae develop in sandy soils, feeding on roots. do not feed, or feed minimally, as is typical for the . Females are likely flightless or weakly flying, remaining in or near the soil surface while emitting to attract males.

Behavior

Males fly actively at dusk, making loud buzzing sounds. They use their enlarged, splayed to detect female . Males are strongly attracted to artificial lights. Males cease activity and become inactive several hours after sunset, presumably when females stop emitting and burrow back into sand.

Ecological Role

Larvae function as root-feeders in sandy soil . serve as prey for and as potential if they visit flowers, though adult feeding is minimal or absent.

Human Relevance

Attracted to artificial lights, where males are commonly collected. Occasionally mistaken for other June beetles. Not considered an agricultural pest. Collected by entomologists for study of sand dune .

Similar Taxa

Polyphylla decemlineataLarger size (exceeds 2.5 cm), ten distinct longitudinal stripes on , western North American distribution
Polyphylla hammondiLarger and more robust body, different geographic distribution (central North America), more pronounced longitudinal lines
Phyllophaga spp.Smaller that are not strongly , more uniform brown coloration, different and timing

More Details

Sexual dimorphism in antennae

The pronounced in antennal structure is a key feature of the . Males use the enlarged surface area of their to detect low concentrations of female-emitted , enabling them to locate flightless or weakly flying females in sandy .

Female rarity in collections

Females of many Polyphylla , including likely P. variolosa, are rarely collected due to their flightless or weakly flying nature. They remain in or near the soil surface, making them difficult to detect without specialized searching techniques.