Oncerinae
LeConte, 1861
Genus Guides
1- Oncerus(May beetles)
Oncerinae is a small of scarab beetles containing only two , each with a single : Nefoncerus convergens in the Neotropics and Oncerus floralis in North America. The group has been historically unstable in classification, sometimes treated as a tribe (Oncerini) within Melolonthinae. Its limited diversity and disjunct geographic distribution make it a minor but taxonomically distinct lineage within Scarabaeidae.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Oncerinae: /ˈɔŋkɛriˌni/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Oncerinae beetles are distinguished from other scarab by their small size and the combination of two with highly restricted . Nefoncerus occurs in the Neotropics while Oncerus is restricted to North America; this distribution helps separate them from related groups. Specific morphological diagnostic features require examination of mouthparts and male genitalia, which separate them from Melolonthinae when treated as distinct.
Distribution
Disjunct distribution: Oncerus in North America (United States), genus Nefoncerus in the Neotropics.
Similar Taxa
- MelolonthinaeOncerinae has been classified as a tribe (Oncerini) within this ; separation depends on interpretation of phylogenetic relationships rather than clear morphological discontinuity.
More Details
Taxonomic instability
The classification of Oncerinae has shifted between and tribal status within Melolonthinae, reflecting ongoing uncertainty about its phylogenetic position within Scarabaeidae.