Serica ligulata

Dawson, 1932

Serica ligulata is a small scarab beetle in the Scarabaeidae, described by Dawson in 1932. measure approximately 9.5 mm in length and are characterized by their chocolate brown, glabrous, sub-shining appearance. The is to California, with two recognized : S. l. ligulata and S. l. praetermissa. Subspecies praetermissa has been documented feeding on specific plants including Arctostaphylos glandulosa, Arctostaphylos pungens, and the flowers of Adenostoma fasciculatum.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Serica ligulata: /sɛˈriːka lɪˈɡuːlæta/

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Identification

The combination of small size (~9.5 mm), chocolate brown coloration, and glabrous, sub-shining body surface distinguishes this . The two are geographically separated within California, with S. l. ligulata and S. l. praetermissa occupying different regions. Definitive identification to subspecies level requires examination of or reference to original descriptions.

Habitat

Specific details are not documented. Based on recorded plant associations for praetermissa, the occurs in chaparral or similar shrubland habitats where Arctostaphylos and Adenostoma fasciculatum grow.

Distribution

to California, United States. Two have discrete distributions: Serica ligulata ligulata and Serica ligulata praetermissa, both within California.

Diet

of praetermissa have been observed feeding on foliage of Arctostaphylos glandulosa and Arctostaphylos pungens, and on flowers of Adenostoma fasciculatum. Diet of nominate subspecies and larval feeding habits are unknown.

Host Associations

Arctostaphylos glandulosa - feeding praetermissa
Arctostaphylos pungens - feeding praetermissa
Adenostoma fasciculatum - feeding on flowers praetermissa

Similar Taxa

Other Serica speciesMembers of Serica share general scarabaeid and require careful examination for -level identification; S. ligulata is distinguished by its specific size, coloration, and geographic restriction to California.

More Details

Subspecies

Two are recognized: Serica ligulata ligulata (Dawson, 1932) and Serica ligulata praetermissa Dawson, 1932. Both are restricted to California, with the nominate subspecies described from the type locality and praetermissa from a separate California locality. The subspecific distinction was established in the original 1932 description.