Pubescens-species-group

Guides

• Polyphylla pubescens

  Eglin Uplands Scarab Beetle

  Polyphylla pubescens is a rare, endemic scarab beetle restricted to the upland habitats of Eglin Air Force Base and adjacent inland areas in the Florida panhandle. Adults are moderately sized for the genus, with males measuring 17.5–19 mm and females slightly larger at 19–20 mm. The species is distinguished from congeners by a strong lateral elytral margin that extends to the base. Like other members of the genus Polyphylla, males possess greatly enlarged, fan-like antennae used to detect female sex pheromones, while females are likely flightless and remain buried in sandy substrates. The species is part of the pubescens species group within Polyphylla.

  endemicrareFloridaScarabaeidaeMelolonthinaesand-associatedflightless-femalepheromone-mediated-matingpubescens-species-groupmilitary-landconservation-concernEglin-Air-Force-Base