Paracotalpa leonina
Paracotalpa leonina is a of scarab beetle in the Scarabaeidae, Rutelinae. It belongs to the Paracotalpa, which comprises several species of leaf beetles distributed in western North America. The species is documented in iNaturalist with 42 observations, indicating it is encountered with moderate frequency by naturalists. Like other members of its genus, it is likely associated with vegetation and soil typical of ruteline scarabs.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Paracotalpa leonina: //ˌpærəkoʊˈtælpə liːˈoʊnɪnə//
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Identification
Paracotalpa leonina can be distinguished from by characteristics of the Paracotalpa, which includes with metallic coloration and specific antennal club structures typical of Rutelinae. It differs from the related species Paracotalpa puncticollis (shining leaf chafer beetle), which has been documented with distinct elytral punctation. Specific diagnostic features for P. leonina require examination of genitalia and detailed morphological study.
Distribution
Western North America, with observations documented in the iNaturalist database indicating presence in regions where the Paracotalpa occurs.
Similar Taxa
- Paracotalpa puncticollis with similar body form and metallic appearance; distinguished by elytral punctation patterns and geographic distribution.
- Other Rutelinae genera (e.g., Anomala, Strigoderma)Similar leaf and ecological habits; Paracotalpa typically have distinctive antennal club structure and body proportions.
More Details
Taxonomic Context
Paracotalpa is a within the tribe Anomalini, Rutelinae. The genus includes several distributed in western North America, with P. leonina representing one of the documented species in this group.
Observation Data
iNaturalist records 42 observations of this , suggesting it is documented with moderate frequency but may be underreported due to identification challenges or specificity.