Phyllophaga pleroma
Reinhard, 1940
Phyllophaga pleroma is a of scarab beetle in the Scarabaeidae. It is one of over 400 species in the Phyllophaga, a large and taxonomically challenging group of North American scarab beetles commonly known as May beetles or June bugs. The species was described by Reinhard in 1940 and is currently known from Texas. Like other members of the genus, it is likely and attracted to lights, with larvae developing as soil-dwelling root-feeders.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Phyllophaga pleroma: //ˌfɪloʊˈfeɪɡə pləˈroʊmə//
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Distribution
Known from Texas, USA. Records indicate presence in the Nearctic region of North America.
Similar Taxa
- Phyllophaga cribrosaBoth are flightless members of the with reduced or absent capabilities, though P. cribrosa is distinguished by its oval convex shape, shining black coloration, and cribrose (sieve-like) elytral surface with distinct longitudinal furrows. P. cribrosa occurs in Oklahoma, while P. pleroma is known from Texas.
- Phyllophaga epigaeaClosely related flightless restricted to Texas that resembles P. cribrosa; P. pleroma may share this flightless habit and restricted Texas distribution, though direct morphological comparisons are not documented in available sources.
- Phyllophaga zavalanaAnother flightless Texas- closely related to P. cribrosa; the three species (P. cribrosa, P. epigaea, P. zavalana) form a group of flightless Phyllophaga in Texas and Oklahoma that P. pleroma may resemble in habit if not in detailed .