Melolonthinae
Guides
Diplotaxis subangulata
Diplotaxis subangulata is a small scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Melolonthinae, described by LeConte in 1856. The genus Diplotaxis comprises small chafers, and this species occurs across western North America from British Columbia to Baja California, with records throughout the southwestern United States. Adults have been observed congregating on low vegetation, apparently to intercept pheromone trails in search of mates. The species is attracted to lights at night.
Diplotaxis subcostata
Diplotaxis subcostata is a small scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Melolonthinae. The species was described by Blanchard in 1851 and is distributed across the eastern and southern United States. Like other members of the genus Diplotaxis, it is attracted to lights at night and has been observed congregating on low vegetation, possibly in association with pheromone trails.
Diplotaxis tenebrosa
Diplotaxis tenebrosa is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Melolonthinae, described by Henry Clinton Fall in 1909. The species belongs to the tribe Diplotaxini, a group of chafers commonly associated with sandy habitats. The specific epithet 'tenebrosa' (Latin for 'dark' or 'gloomy') likely refers to the species' dark coloration. Records indicate this species occurs in western North America, with specimens documented from multiple states and provinces in the Nearctic region.
Diplotaxis truncatula
Diplotaxis truncatula is a small scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Melolonthinae. The species was described by LeConte in 1856 and is distributed across the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It belongs to a genus of chafers commonly attracted to lights at night.
Diplotaxis vandykei
Diplotaxis vandykei is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, first described by Vaurie in 1958. The species belongs to the genus Diplotaxis, a group of small scarab beetles commonly known as sand chafers. It is found in North America, with distribution records indicating presence in the Nearctic region, specifically Alabama. Like other members of its genus, it likely inhabits sandy habitats and exhibits nocturnal activity patterns.
Fossocarus
Fossocarus is a monotypic genus of scarab beetles in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Melolonthinae. The genus contains a single described species, F. creoleorum. It belongs to the tribe Melolonthini, commonly known as May beetles or Junebugs. The genus was established by Howden in 1961.
Gronocarus
lobed spiny burrowing beetle, lobeless spiny burrowing beetle
Gronocarus is a small genus of scarab beetles in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Melolonthinae. The genus contains at least three described species, including G. autumnalis and G. inornatus, which exhibit distinct morphological differences in pronotal lobe development. These beetles are burrowing species with spiny morphology.
Gronocarus inornatus
lobeless spiny burrowing beetle
Gronocarus inornatus is a small scarab beetle described by Skelley in 2003. It is endemic to a restricted coastal region of the Florida panhandle. The species is characterized by its glabrous, shining brown body and moderately elongate form. It is known by the common name 'lobeless spiny burrowing beetle,' though detailed ecological data remain limited.
Gymnopyge hopliaeformis
Gymnopyge hopliaeformis is a species of scarab beetle described by Linell in 1896. It belongs to the subfamily Melolonthinae, tribe Dichelonychini. The species is known from California and represents a rare component of the Nearctic scarab fauna. Very few observations exist, with only two records documented on iNaturalist.
Hoplia
monkey beetles
Hoplia is a genus of scarab beetles commonly known as monkey beetles, comprising at least 300 described species distributed across Asia, Europe, South Africa, Madagascar, and the Americas. The genus is notable for its diverse and often striking coloration strategies, including structural colors produced by nanostructured scales on the elytra. Several species exhibit remarkable optical properties, such as rapid reversible color change upon water exposure in H. argentea, or diffusive angle-independent structural coloration that may enhance camouflage. Adults of many species are associated with flowers, where they feed on pollen and nectar, while larvae typically develop in soil or plant roots. Some species have become significant agricultural or turf pests, including H. philanthus in Europe and H. spectabilis in western China.
Hoplia hirta
Hoplia hirta is a scarab beetle species in the family Scarabaeidae, described by LeConte in 1880. It is distributed in the western United States, with records from California, Nevada, and Oregon. Like other members of the genus Hoplia, it is likely associated with flowering plants as an adult, though specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented. The species name 'hirta' refers to hairy or bristly characteristics, presumably of the adult beetle's body surface.
Hoplia mucorea
Hoplia mucorea is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. It has been recorded from multiple U.S. states (California, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina) and Sonora, Mexico. The species belongs to the genus Hoplia, which comprises small to medium-sized scarab beetles often associated with flowers and vegetation.
Hoplia trivialis
Dark hoplia
Hoplia trivialis, commonly known as the dark hoplia, is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. It is native to North America and has been documented across a broad range of eastern and central United States. The species is relatively poorly studied compared to other scarab beetles, with limited published information on its biology and ecology.
Hopliini
Monkey Beetles
Hopliini is a tribe of scarab beetles commonly known as monkey beetles, established by Latreille in 1829. The tribe's placement within Scarabaeidae remains uncertain, with some classifications placing it in Melolonthinae and others in Rutelinae. Members are characterized by their frequent association with flowers, where they feed on pollen, nectar, and floral tissues. The tribe is particularly diverse and ecologically significant in the Greater Cape Floristic Region of South Africa, where they serve as important pollinators for numerous plant families.
Hypothyce
May beetles, Junebugs
Hypothyce is a genus of scarab beetles in the subfamily Melolonthinae, containing four described species in the United States. All species are restricted to isolated sandhill habitats along the North American Coastal Plain. The genus exhibits pronounced geographic isolation, with each species known from a single state: Texas, Georgia, or Alabama. Several species remain poorly known, with females undescribed for three of four species.
Hypothyce mixta
East Texas Hypothyce
Hypothyce mixta is a species of scarab beetle described by Howden in 1968. It belongs to the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Melolonthinae. The species has been recorded from sandy soils in eastern Texas, representing a restricted distribution within the Nearctic region. Like other members of the genus Hypothyce, it is likely associated with soil habitats, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Hypotrichia spissipes
Florida Hypotrichia
Hypotrichia spissipes is a scarab beetle species in the family Scarabaeidae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1861. The species is native to Florida and has been recorded from sand scrub habitat on the Lake Wales Ridge in central Florida. The common name 'Florida Hypotrichia' reflects its apparent geographic association with the state. Available information on this species is limited, with most records being specimen-based occurrences rather than detailed biological studies.
Isonychus
May beetles, junebugs
Isonychus is a genus of scarab beetles in the subfamily Melolonthinae, commonly known as May beetles or junebugs. The genus contains more than 140 described species distributed primarily in the Neotropical and Nearctic regions. These beetles are part of the tribe Macrodactylini and are characterized by their typical scarab morphology. The genus was established by Mannerheim in 1828.
Listrochelus bottimeri
Listrochelus bottimeri is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Melolonthinae, described by Reinhard in 1950. It belongs to the tribe Rhizotrogini, a group commonly known as June beetles or May beetles. The species is known only from Texas in the United States. Like other members of this tribe, adults are likely nocturnal and attracted to lights.
Listrochelus disparilis
Listrochelus disparilis is a scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Melolonthinae. It was described by Horn in 1878 and occurs in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. The species belongs to the tribe Rhizotrogini, which includes many root-feeding scarabs commonly known as May beetles or June beetles.
Listrochelus fimbripes
Listrochelus fimbripes is a species of scarab beetle in the subfamily Melolonthinae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1856. It is a member of the tribe Rhizotrogini, a group of soil-dwelling scarabs commonly known as May beetles or June beetles. The species is documented from scattered localities across the south-central and southwestern United States.
Listrochelus flavipennis
A scarab beetle species in the tribe Rhizotrogini, described by Horn in 1885. Very little published natural history information exists for this species. Distribution records indicate occurrence in Arizona, USA.
Listrochelus granti
Listrochelus granti is a scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Melolonthinae, described by Saylor in 1940. The species belongs to the genus Listrochelus, a group of rhizotrogine chafers. It has been recorded from the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico.
Listrochelus huachuca
Listrochelus huachuca is a scarab beetle species in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Melolonthinae, described by Saylor in 1940. The species is named for the Huachuca Mountains of southeastern Arizona, where it has been collected. It belongs to a genus of rhizotrogine scarabs whose larvae typically develop in soil and feed on plant roots.
Listrochelus juvenilis
Listrochelus juvenilis is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Melolonthinae, described by Fall in 1932. It belongs to a genus of beetles commonly known as May beetles or June beetles. The species has a limited documented distribution in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico.
Listrochelus opacicollis
Listrochelus opacicollis is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Melolonthinae, described by Horn in 1878. It belongs to the tribe Rhizotrogini, a group commonly known as June beetles or May beetles. The species is known from the southwestern United States.
Listrochelus planeta
Listrochelus reinhardi
Listrochelus reinhardi is a species of scarab beetle described by Saylor in 1940. It belongs to the genus Listrochelus within the tribe Rhizotrogini, a group commonly known as May beetles or June beetles. The species is known from limited observations in Texas, USA. As with other members of Rhizotrogini, it is presumed to have subterranean larval stages and adult emergence patterns typical of the group, though specific biological details remain poorly documented.
Listrochelus snowi
Listrochelus snowi is a scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Melolonthinae. The species was described by Saylor in 1940 and is native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. It belongs to a genus of scarabs commonly known as May beetles or June beetles, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented in the available literature.
Listrochelus tarsalis
Listrochelus tarsalis is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Melolonthinae, described by Schaeffer in 1908. It belongs to the genus Listrochelus, a group of rhizotrogine scarabs. Distribution records indicate occurrence in Arizona, USA. Like other melolonthine scarabs, it likely exhibits a subterranean larval stage and adult emergence patterns typical of the subfamily.
Listrochelus texensis
Listrochelus texensis is a species of scarab beetle in the subfamily Melolonthinae, described by Saylor in 1940. It is known from southern Texas and northeastern Mexico. As a member of the Rhizotrogini tribe, it likely exhibits root-feeding habits in larval stages typical of related taxa, though specific ecological studies remain limited.
Macrodactylini
Macrodactylini beetles
Macrodactylini is a tribe of scarab beetles within the subfamily Melolonthinae, commonly associated with May beetles and junebugs. The tribe contains at least 46 genera and over 1,000 described species, though estimates vary among sources. Members are classified in the superfamily Scarabaeoidea. The tribe was established by Kirby in 1837.
Macrodactylus
rose chafers, American rose chafers
Macrodactylus is a genus of scarab beetles in the family Scarabaeidae, commonly known as rose chafers or American rose chafers. The genus contains at least 110 described species distributed primarily in the Americas. Adults are typically associated with vegetation, and some species are documented agricultural pests of crops such as maize. Larval stages are soil-dwelling and develop in association with organic matter or host plant roots.
Phobetus
May beetles, junebugs
Phobetus is a genus of scarab beetles in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Melolonthinae, commonly known as May beetles or junebugs. The genus was established by LeConte in 1856 and contains approximately 11 described species. Species in this genus are distributed in arid and semi-arid regions of western North America, with several species endemic to specific desert mountain ranges. The genus is classified in the tribe Phobetusini, which is endemic to the Nearctic region.
Phobetus mojavus
Phobetus mojavus is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, described by Barrett in 1933. It belongs to the subfamily Melolonthinae (May beetles or June beetles) and the tribe Phobetusini. The species is known from California, with its specific epithet suggesting an association with the Mojave region.
Phobetus palpalis
Phobetus palpalis is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Melolonthinae, and tribe Phobetusini. Described by Saylor in 1936, this species is known from California in the western United States. The genus Phobetus belongs to a group of scarab beetles commonly referred to as May beetles or June beetles, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented in published literature.
Phobetus saylori
Phobetus saylori is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, described by Cazier in 1937. It belongs to the tribe Phobetusini within the subfamily Melolonthinae. The species is known from a small number of observations and has a restricted distribution in western North America.
Phyllophaga
May beetles, June bugs, June beetles, July beetles
Phyllophaga is a large genus of New World scarab beetles comprising over 900 species. Adults are nocturnal, attracted to artificial lights, and feed on foliage of trees and shrubs. Larvae are soil-dwelling white grubs that feed on plant roots. The genus is economically significant as both adults and larvae can cause damage to agricultural crops and turf. Some species exhibit flightlessness and diurnal activity, representing derived traits within the genus.
Phyllophaga aemula
May beetle, June beetle
Phyllophaga aemula is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, commonly known as a May beetle or June beetle. It belongs to a large genus of over 400 species in North America, many of which are difficult to distinguish without examination of genitalia. Like other members of its genus, it has subterranean larval stages and aerial adults. The species was originally described as Lachnosterna aemula by Horn in 1887.
Phyllophaga amplicornis
Phyllophaga amplicornis is a species of May beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Melolonthinae. The species was described by Gahan. As a member of the genus Phyllophaga, it is one of over 400 species in North America, making this genus one of the most speciose scarab groups in the region. Species in this genus are commonly known as May beetles or June beetles. The larvae are soil-dwelling white grubs that feed on plant roots, while adults feed on foliage and flowers.
Phyllophaga antennata
Phyllophaga antennata is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. It occurs in North America, with distribution records from Mississippi and Texas. The species was originally described by Smith in 1889 and has been synonymized under the genus Trichesthes in some taxonomic treatments.
Phyllophaga apicata
Phyllophaga apicata is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, described by Reinhard in 1939. It belongs to the genus Phyllophaga, commonly known as May beetles or June beetles, which contains over 400 species in North America. Like other members of this genus, it is likely a root-feeding beetle with subterranean larval development, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented in available literature.
Phyllophaga balia
Phyllophaga balia is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, one of more than 400 species in the genus Phyllophaga (May beetles) in North America. Like other members of this speciose genus, it is found in North America, with records from the eastern and central United States and Canada. Species-level identification within Phyllophaga is notoriously difficult, often requiring examination of male and female genitalia.
Phyllophaga bipartita
Phyllophaga bipartita is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, commonly known as May beetles or June bugs. It belongs to a large and taxonomically challenging genus with over 400 species in North America. The species was first described by Horn in 1887 under the basionym Lachnosterna bipartita.
Phyllophaga blanda
May beetle, June beetle
Phyllophaga blanda is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, first described by Sanderson in 1958. It belongs to the genus Phyllophaga, commonly known as May beetles or June beetles, a diverse group of soil-dwelling scarabs whose larvae feed on plant roots. The species is known from the Nearctic region, with records from Arizona, USA. Like other members of its genus, it likely exhibits the typical Phyllophaga life cycle with subterranean larval stages and adult emergence in spring or early summer.
Phyllophaga calceata
Phyllophaga calceata is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, first described by LeConte in 1856 under the basionym Lachnosterna calceata. It belongs to the genus Phyllophaga, one of the most species-rich genera of beetles in North America with over 400 species. Like other members of this genus, it is commonly known as a May beetle or June beetle. The species is found in the southeastern United States.
Phyllophaga congrua
May beetle, June beetle
Phyllophaga congrua is a scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, distributed across the central and eastern United States. Like other members of the genus Phyllophaga, the larvae are soil-dwelling white grubs that feed on plant roots. The species contributes to soil ecosystem processes through burrowing activity, though this can result in agricultural damage when larval densities are high.
Phyllophaga crassissima
May beetle
Phyllophaga crassissima is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, commonly known as a May beetle. It is native to North America with documented occurrence across the central and eastern United States. Like other members of the genus Phyllophaga, it is a nocturnal beetle with subterranean larval stages that feed on plant roots. The species was originally described by Blanchard in 1851 under the name Ancylonycha crassissima.
Phyllophaga crinita
Phyllophaga crinita is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, native to Central America. As a member of the genus Phyllophaga (commonly called May beetles or June beetles), its larvae are white grubs that develop in soil. The species was described by Burmeister in 1855.
Phyllophaga curialis
May beetle, June beetle
Phyllophaga curialis is a species of scarab beetle in the genus Phyllophaga, commonly known as May beetles or June beetles. The species was described by Reinhard in 1939 and is known from Texas in the southern United States. Like other members of this large genus, the larvae are soil-dwelling root feeders while adults feed on foliage and flowers. The genus Phyllophaga contains over 400 species in North America, many of which are economically significant agricultural pests.