Serica vespertina

(Gyllenhal, 1817)

Species Guides

Serica vespertina accola

Serica vespertina is a small scarab beetle in the Scarabaeidae, measuring approximately 8.5 mm in length. It is characterized by its uniformly light brown, polished, and shining appearance. The is distributed across North America, with two recognized showing distinct geographic ranges in the eastern and central United States.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Serica vespertina: /sɛˈriːka vɛspərˈtiːna/

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Identification

Distinguished from similar Serica by its uniformly light brown, polished, and shining appearance. The small size (approximately 8.5 mm) and lack of significant surface sculpturing or are key features. identification requires geographic information: S. v. vespertina occurs from New Hampshire to Michigan, south to Florida and Alabama, with additional records in Colorado, Indiana, Maryland, and Wisconsin; S. v. accola is found in Alabama, Iowa, Mississippi, Nebraska, and Texas.

Appearance

measure approximately 8.5 mm in length. The body is uniformly light brown, ranging from amber brown to argus brown. The surface is bare, polished, and shining, lacking significant or sculpturing.

Distribution

North America. The nominate Serica vespertina vespertina ranges from New Hampshire to Michigan, south to Florida and Alabama, with additional records in Colorado, Indiana, Maryland, and Wisconsin. The subspecies S. v. accola occurs in Alabama, Iowa, Mississippi, Nebraska, and Texas.

Similar Taxa

Other Serica speciesSimilar small size and general scarab beetle ; distinguished by the uniformly light brown, polished, and shining appearance of S. vespertina
Other MelolonthinaeShare -level characteristics; require examination of surface texture and coloration for differentiation

More Details

Subspecies

Two are recognized: Serica vespertina vespertina (Gyllenhal, 1817) and Serica vespertina accola Dawson, 1921. The subspecies show largely non-overlapping geographic distributions, with S. v. accola occupying more western and central states.