Phyllophaga bipartita
(Horn, 1887)
bipartita is a of in the , commonly known as or . It belongs to a large and taxonomically challenging with over 400 species in North America. The species was first described by Horn in 1887 under the basionym Lachnosterna bipartita.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Phyllophaga bipartita: /ˌfɪloʊˈfeɪɡə baɪˈpɑrtɪtə/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
identification within typically requires examination of male and female . No specific diagnostic characters distinguishing P. bipartita from are documented in the provided sources. The is characterized by with oval to elongate bodies, clubbed with , and typically activity. are C-shaped with well-developed thoracic legs.
Distribution
Recorded from the Nearctic region in the United States: Arkansas, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin.
Diet
of are root feeders, consuming roots of grasses and other plants in soil. feed on flowers and foliage of various plants.
Life Cycle
with , , , and stages. Larvae are subterranean . occurs in soil . Adults typically emerge in spring to early summer.
Behavior
are and attracted to lights. remain in soil, moving vertically throughout the year.
Ecological Role
function as root in soil . serve as when feeding on flowers. Some are occasional agricultural pests when are planted in former grasslands.
Human Relevance
Occasional pest of ; damage typically occurs when new plantings are established in former grassland due to limited abilities of flightless or poor-flying .
Similar Taxa
- Phyllophaga cribrosaBoth occur in the central United States and share the . P. cribrosa is distinguished by its oval convex shape, black coloration, cribrose (sieve-like) elytral surface, and flightless nature with distinct longitudinal elytral furrows.
- Phyllophaga lanceolataBoth are Great Plains . P. lanceolata is unusual in the for being active during the day, having conspicuous coverage, and being a poorer flier typically observed on the ground.
- Phyllophaga epigaeaClosely related resembling P. cribrosa, restricted to Texas, lacking distinct elytral furrows.
- Phyllophaga zavalanaClosely related resembling P. cribrosa, restricted to Texas, lacking distinct elytral furrows.