Nipponoserica
Nomura, 1973
May beetles, junebugs
Species Guides
1Nipponoserica is a of scarab beetles in the Scarabaeidae, commonly known as May beetles or junebugs. The genus was established by Nomura in 1973 and contains more than 20 described . A 2022 taxonomic revision described one new species, Nipponoserica daqiao, from China and adjacent areas. The genus belongs to the tribe Sericini within the Sericinae.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Nipponoserica: //ˈnɪp.oʊ.noʊˈsɛr.ɪ.kə//
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Identification
Members of Nipponoserica can be distinguished from related in Sericini by examination of male genitalia and overall body form (habitus). The 2022 revision by Ahrens, Fabrizi & Liu provides a key to groups and species within groups, with illustrations of diagnostic morphological characters. Specific identification requires detailed examination of genitalic structures.
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Distribution
China and adjacent areas. GBIF records indicate presence in the Palaearctic and Nearctic regions, with specific records from Vermont, USA.
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Taxonomic history
Nipponoserica was originally described by Nomura in 1972 (publication date 1973). The has undergone significant revision, with a 2022 study describing Nipponoserica daqiao as a new and providing updated diagnostic criteria for the genus.