Paracotalpa granicollis
(Haldeman, 1852)
Hairy Bear Scarab Beetle
Paracotalpa granicollis is a scarab beetle in the Rutelinae, commonly known as the Hairy Bear Scarab Beetle. The is to the Intermountain West of North America, with documented across the Columbia Plateau, Great Basin, and Colorado Plateau. It is one of approximately 15 species in the Paracotalpa, a group of shining leaf chafers characterized by metallic coloration. The species has been recorded in eight western U.S. states and is relatively well-represented in citizen science observations.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Paracotalpa granicollis: /ˌpærəkoʊˈtælpə ˌɡræniˈkɒlɪs/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
The specific epithet "granicollis" refers to the texture of the pronotum (neck region), a diagnostic feature distinguishing this from . Members of Paracotalpa can be separated from similar ruteline scarabs by their compact body form and metallic . P. granicollis may be distinguished from the closely related P. puncticollis (shining leaf chafer) by differences in pronotal sculpturing and geographic distribution, with P. puncticollis occurring primarily in California coastal and foothill regions.
Images
Habitat
Arid and semi-arid regions of the Intermountain West, including sagebrush steppe, pinyon-juniper woodlands, and montane zones of the Columbia Plateau, Great Basin, and Colorado Plateau.
Distribution
United States: California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. to the Nearctic region.
Similar Taxa
- Paracotalpa puncticollisSimilar metallic scarab appearance; distinguished by pronotal sculpturing and primarily California distribution versus Intermountain West range of P. granicollis
- Other Rutelinae genera (e.g., Chrysina, Plusiotis)Share metallic coloration and scarab body form; Paracotalpa distinguished by smaller size, pronotum, and specific western U.S. distribution