Madagascar Beetle
Leichenum canaliculatum variegatum
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Coleoptera
- Suborder: Polyphaga
- Superfamily: Tenebrionoidea
- Family: Tenebrionidae
- Subfamily: Blaptinae
- Tribe: Pedinini
- Subtribe: Leichenina
- Genus: Leichenum
- Species: canaliculatum
- Subspecies: variegatum
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Leichenum canaliculatum variegatum: //lɛˈkɛːnʊm ˌkanəˌlɪkjʊˈleɪtəm ˌvɛərɪˈɛɡətəm//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
Leichenum canaliculatum variegatum, commonly known as the Madagascar beetle, is a small darkling beetle found primarily in sandy coastal areas. It is known for its attraction to light and its larval feeding habits on a variety of plant roots.
Physical Characteristics
Adult oval-shaped, averaging 5 mm in length. Body grayish with black, gray, and brown mottling. Whitish spatula-shaped, scaly setae present. Eyes are globose and slightly emarginated. Antennae are short with a clearly defined 4-segmented club on the apical half. Mature larva measures 12 mm; pupa is about 6 mm with urogomphi fused into a long spine-like process ending in two small round lobes.
Identification Tips
Look for oval-shaped adults with mottled bodies and short antennae; larvae can be recognized by their specific feeding habits and size (12 mm).
Habitat
Typically found in sandy soil, including beaches, dry dunes, and shorelines under litter and debris.
Distribution
Native to Madagascar, but has spread to warmer areas around the globe, including several countries in Africa, Asia, and Oceania. Introduced and adventive in the USA, notably in coastal areas (NC, FL, TX).
Diet
Adults and larvae feed on roots of Bermuda grass, cotton, turnips, rutabagas, and have been observed feeding on the nap of rugs, as well as being associated with damaged peach trees and Amaryllis bulbs.
Life Cycle
Adults are commonly found from March to November, with life stages including eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults. The larvae feed in the soil, while adults are attracted to light.
Ecosystem Role
Feeds on plant roots, potentially affecting agricultural crops and vegetation in its habitat.
Economic Impact
May have an impact on agricultural practices due to its feeding on crops such as cotton and turnips.
Collecting Methods
- Light traps
- Baited traps
- Unbaited pitfall traps
Preservation Methods
- Pinning
- Drying
- Alcohol preservation
Tags
- beetle
- Madagascar beetle
- darkling beetle
- insect
- Coleoptera