Phyllophaga lanceolata
(Say, 1824)
Lanceolated Chafer, May beetle
Phyllophaga lanceolata is a scarab beetle in the Scarabaeidae, commonly known as the Lanceolated . are distinguished from most by their dense covering of rather than the glabrous or sparsely setose bodies typical of the . The occurs throughout the Great Plains in shortgrass prairie , with larvae feeding belowground on roots and adults feeding aboveground on flowers and foliage. Unlike most May beetles, adults are and relatively poor fliers, typically moving on foot rather than flying.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Phyllophaga lanceolata: //ˌfɪloʊˈfeɪɡə ˌlænsiˈoʊlətə//
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Identification
Distinguished from most Phyllophaga by the dense, conspicuous covering of on the body (most are glabrous or have only scattered, indistinct setae). are heavy-bodied and relatively poor fliers. Daytime activity is unusual in this , where most species are .
Images
Habitat
Shortgrass prairie , particularly in dry loess prairie . Associated with steep loess bluffs and hilltop prairies with rapid drainage and xeric conditions.
Distribution
Great Plains of North America. United States: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Wisconsin. Canada: Manitoba, Ontario. Mexico: Coahuila.
Diet
Larvae feed on roots of grasses and other plants in the soil. feed on flowers and foliage above ground.
Behavior
are , an unusual trait in the . They are relatively poor fliers and typically observed moving on foot rather than flying.
Ecological Role
Larvae function as root-feeders in soil . serve as and foliar herbivores in prairie .
Human Relevance
Has been observed in critically imperiled dry loess prairie remnants, where its presence indicates intact prairie .
Similar Taxa
- Phyllophaga spp.Most are glabrous or sparsely setose, lack dense scaling, and are rather than .