Pheromone-trail-interception
Guides
Diplotaxis pumila
Diplotaxis pumila is a small scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Melolonthinae, described by Fall in 1909. It belongs to the genus Diplotaxis, a group of chafers known for their nocturnal aggregation behavior on vegetation where males intercept female pheromone trails. The species is documented from the southwestern United States, particularly Arizona. Like other members of its genus, it is likely attracted to lights at night and may be active during summer months following rainfall events.