Serica tristis
LeConte, 1850
May beetle, Junebug
Serica tristis is a small scarab beetle in the Scarabaeidae, commonly known as a May or Junebug. measure 7–8.5 mm and display variable coloration from chestnut to nearly black with a metallic iridescent sheen. The is distributed across northeastern North America, with records from multiple Canadian provinces and adjacent U.S. states.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Serica tristis: /ˈsɛrɪkə ˈtrɪstɪs/
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Identification
are distinguished by their small size (7–8.5 mm), chestnut to black coloration with metallic iridescence, and the combination of northeastern North American distribution and late spring to early summer activity typical of the . The specific epithet "tristis" (meaning sad or gloomy) likely refers to the darker color forms. Differentiation from other Serica requires examination of genitalia or other subtle morphological characters.
Distribution
Nearctic region: Canada (Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec) and United States (Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, Wisconsin).
Similar Taxa
- Other Serica speciesMany Serica share similar size, coloration, and seasonal activity patterns; precise identification often requires dissection and examination of male genitalia or other subtle morphological characters.
More Details
Taxonomic history
Described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1850. The Serica contains numerous small, often poorly differentiated historically challenging to identify.