Masked-chafer
Guides
Cyclocephala aravaipensis
Cyclocephala aravaipensis is a species of scarab beetle in the subfamily Dynastinae, first described by Brett Ratcliffe in 1992. It belongs to the masked chafer genus Cyclocephala, a group of beetles whose larvae are commonly known as "white grubs" and are significant pests of turfgrass. The species epithet "aravaipensis" refers to the Aravaipa region in Arizona, indicating its known geographic association. Like other members of its genus, adults are small brown beetles with a distinctive dark facial marking, while larvae are cream-colored, C-shaped grubs that feed on plant roots.
Cyclocephala hirta
Western Masked Chafer
Cyclocephala hirta, commonly known as the Western Masked Chafer, is a scarab beetle species native to the southwestern United States. It is one of the most common 'June beetles' in the Los Angeles Basin, often encountered alongside the related Cyclocephala pasadenae. The species is a turfgrass pest whose larval stage causes significant damage to lawns and golf courses by feeding on grass roots.
Cyclocephala longula
Cyclocephala longula is a rhinoceros beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Dynastinae. It is a member of the masked chafer group, characterized by adults with a distinctive dark facial marking. The species is native to western North America, ranging from Canada through the western United States into northern Mexico. Like other Cyclocephala species, the larvae are white grubs that feed on plant roots, though specific life history details for this species remain poorly documented.
Cyclocephala lunulata
masked chafer
Cyclocephala lunulata is a rhinoceros beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, widely distributed across the Americas from the southwestern United States through Mexico and Central America to South America. Adults are attracted to volatile organic compounds produced by bacteria (VOCsB) isolated from their genital chambers, with both sexes responding to bacterial volatiles from Morganella morganii. The species is a documented agricultural pest of strawberry, guava, and ornamental pastures.
Cyclocephala melanocephala
masked chafer
Cyclocephala melanocephala is a species of scarab beetle in the subfamily Dynastinae, commonly known as masked chafers. The species occurs across North and Central America and has been documented in association with flowers of yellow passionfruit (Passiflora edulis). Adults have been observed feeding on sunflower inflorescences (Helianthus annuus).
Cyclocephala parallela
Cyclocephala parallela is a species of rhinoceros beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, first described by Casey in 1915. It belongs to the genus Cyclocephala, commonly known as masked chafers, whose larvae are significant turfgrass pests. The species occurs in parts of Florida and adjacent southeastern states, where its white grub larvae feed on grass roots.
Cyclocephala pasadenae
Southwestern Masked Chafer, Pasadena Masked Chafer
Cyclocephala pasadenae, commonly known as the southwestern masked chafer or Pasadena masked chafer, is a species of rhinoceros beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. Native to southwestern North America, it is one of several masked chafer species whose larvae are significant pests of turfgrass. The species is tan or auburn in color, approximately 13 mm in length, with some patterning on the elytra. Along with its congener Cyclocephala hirta, it is locally abundant in the Los Angeles basin.
Cyclocephala robusta
Cyclocephala robusta is a species of masked chafer beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1863. It belongs to the subfamily Dynastinae, though unlike many members of this group it lacks the large horns characteristic of the subfamily. The species is native to the south-central and southeastern United States. Like other Cyclocephala species, it likely has a life cycle involving root-feeding larval stages and adult beetles that do not feed on plants.
Tiphia
Tiphia is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Tiphiidae. Species in this genus are specialized ectoparasitoids of scarab beetle larvae (white grubs) that inhabit soil. The genus includes notable biological control agents such as Tiphia vernalis, which was introduced to the United States from Asia in 1925 to manage Japanese beetle populations.