Phyllophaga balia
(Say, 1825)
Phyllophaga balia is a of scarab beetle in the Scarabaeidae, one of more than 400 species in the Phyllophaga (May beetles) in North America. Like other members of this speciose genus, it is found in North America, with records from the eastern and central United States and Canada. Species-level identification within Phyllophaga is notoriously difficult, often requiring examination of male and female genitalia.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Phyllophaga balia: //ˌfɪloʊˈfeɪɡə ˈbeɪliə//
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Identification
identification within the Phyllophaga is difficult and typically requires examination of male and female genitalia. No specific diagnostic features distinguishing P. balia from are documented in available sources.
Distribution
Recorded from North America, specifically the eastern and central United States (Alabama, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Wisconsin) and Ontario, Canada.
Life Cycle
As a member of the Phyllophaga, P. balia likely shares the typical May beetle : larvae (white ) feed on roots in soil, while feed above ground on plant material. However, specific details for this are not documented.
Similar Taxa
- Phyllophaga cribrosaAnother flightless Phyllophaga with similar oval, convex body form and shining coloration, but distinguished by distinct longitudinal elytral furrows and cribrose (sieve-like) surface texture.
- Other Phyllophaga speciesMore than 400 occur in North America; most are and capable of , unlike the flightless P. cribrosa. Conclusive identification to species level generally requires genitalia examination.
More Details
Taxonomic difficulty
The Phyllophaga is one of the most speciose genera in North America, making -level identification challenging. P. balia was described by Thomas Say in 1825.