Phyllophaga bipartita
(Horn, 1887)
Phyllophaga bipartita is a of scarab beetle in the Scarabaeidae, commonly known as May beetles or June bugs. 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/
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Identification
identification within Phyllophaga typically requires examination of male and female genitalia. 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 segments, and typically activity. Larvae are C-shaped white 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
Larvae of Phyllophaga are root feeders, consuming roots of grasses and other plants in soil. feed on flowers and foliage of various plants.
Life Cycle
Complete with , larva, pupa, and stages. Larvae are subterranean white . occurs in soil . Adults typically emerge in spring to early summer.
Behavior
are and attracted to lights. Larvae remain in soil, moving vertically throughout the year.
Ecological Role
Larvae function as root herbivores in soil . serve as when feeding on flowers. Some are occasional agricultural pests when crops are planted in former grasslands.
Human Relevance
Occasional pest of crops; 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, shining 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.