Phyllophaga prununculina
(Burmeister, 1855)
prununculina is a of in the , commonly known as a or . It belongs to a large of over 400 North species. Like other members of Phyllophaga, it has a involving soil-dwelling larval stages that feed on roots and above-ground stages that feed on foliage. The species is found in the southeastern and mid-Atlantic United States.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Phyllophaga prununculina: /ˌfɪloʊˈfeɪɡə ˌpruːˌnʌnˈkjulɪnə/
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Identification
-level identification within is notoriously difficult and typically requires examination of male and female . No distinctive external morphological features distinguishing P. prununculina from other Phyllophaga species are documented in available sources.
Distribution
Southeastern and mid-Atlantic United States. Documented from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.
Similar Taxa
- Phyllophaga cribrosaBoth are flightless with dark coloration, but P. cribrosa is distinguished by its oval convex shape, black coloration, cribrose (sieve-like) surface texture, 10-segmented , and distinct longitudinal elytral furrows. P. cribrosa is restricted to Oklahoma and Texas, whereas P. prununculina occurs further east.
- Other Phyllophaga speciesOver 400 exist in North America; most require examination for definitive identification. Many share similar general body plan and habits.