Amphimallon majale

(Razoumowsky, 1789)

European chafer

A to continental Europe, now in temperate North America where it is commonly called a . The large, () feed on grass roots and are significant pests of lawns and turfgrass. are short-lived and primarily reproductive. The has been to Canada and the United States, where it lacks natural controls.

Amphimallon majale by (c) humon, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by humon. Used under a CC-BY license.Amphimallon majale by (c) Chris Ratzlaff, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Chris Ratzlaff. Used under a CC-BY license.Rhizotrogus majalis1 by Mike Reding & Betsy Anderson, USDA Agricultural Research Service. Used under a Public domain license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Amphimallon majale: /ˌæmfɪˈmæloʊn məˈdʒeɪli/

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Habitat

Temperate latitudes in open grassy areas, including lawns, golf courses, pastures, and meadows. dwell in soil, feeding on root systems. are or and often found near vegetation.

Distribution

to continental Europe (Belgium, France, Germany, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland). and established in North America: Canada (British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec) and USA (California, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, West Virginia).

Diet

feed on roots of cool-latitude grasses, both wild and cultivated .

Life Cycle

are large, (third are the stage). Cold temperature treatment simulating overwintering conditions reduces disruption of downward movement in vertical soil panels.

Behavior

do not remotely detect imidacloprid in soil; they neither evade contact nor are repelled after contact. Imidacloprid acts as a contact , arresting movement at concentrations ≥0.6 ppm. At ≥0.8 ppm, this arrestant effect exceeds attraction cues from germinating grass seed. Vertical movement is less disrupted than .

Human Relevance

Major pest of North lawns and turfgrass due to root-feeding . Subject of pest management research, including behavioral studies.

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