Serica atracapilla

(Kirby, 1837)

Serica atracapilla is a small scarab beetle in the Scarabaeidae, distributed across eastern and central North America. measure approximately 10 mm in length and are characterized by their chestnut-brown coloration and polished, shining upper surface lacking any silky or luster. The has been recorded from 19 U.S. states and 7 Canadian provinces, indicating a broad geographic range within the Nearctic region.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Serica atracapilla: //sɛˈriː.kə æ.trəˈkæ.pɪ.lə//

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Identification

Distinguished from similar Serica by the combination of: (1) chestnut-brown coloration, (2) polished, bare, and shining upper surface without sericeous or luster, and (3) size of approximately 10 mm. The absence of any silky or frosted sheen on the dorsum is particularly diagnostic. Separation from the very similar Serica sericea and other congeneric species requires examination of male genitalia or detailed comparison of surface .

Appearance

reach approximately 10 mm in length. Body color is chestnut-brown. The upper surface (dorsum) is bare, polished, and shining, without any trace of sericeous (silky) or (frosted) luster.

Distribution

Eastern and central North America. United States: Alabama, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin. Canada: Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan.

Similar Taxa

Serica sericeaVery similar congeneric ; distinguished by presence of sericeous (silky) luster on upper surface, which S. atracapilla lacks
Other Serica speciesMany in Serica are superficially similar in size and coloration; reliable identification often requires examination of male genitalia or detailed surface analysis