Root-feeders
Guides
Anomala
Pale and Green Leaf Chafers, Shining Leaf Chafers
Anomala is a large genus of scarab beetles containing at least 1,200 described species, commonly known as shining leaf chafers or pale and green leaf chafers. Members are recognized by their metallic or iridescent coloration and compact, oval body shape. The genus includes significant agricultural pests, most notably the Oriental beetle (Anomala orientalis), which was introduced to North America before 1920 and has become established from Maine to the Carolinas and westward. Larvae of many species are root-feeding white grubs that damage turfgrass and ornamental plants.
Cochylini
Cochylini is a tribe of tortrix moths (Tortricidae) containing approximately 1,000 described species in about 80 genera. Formerly classified as the subfamily Cochylinae, molecular research by Regier et al. (2012) suggests it may represent a monophyletic lineage within Euliini, warranting subtribe rank as Cochylina. The tribe has a global distribution with highest diversity in the Holarctic and Neotropical realms.
Crambinae
Grass-veneers and Allies, snout moth grass borers, sod webworms
Crambinae is a large subfamily of Crambidae moths comprising over 1,800 species worldwide. Members are commonly known as snout moths, grass-veneers, or sod webworms. The subfamily is characterized by specialized morphological features including tympanal organs and a phallus attached medially to the juxta. Larvae are primarily root feeders or stem borers on grasses, with several species recognized as significant agricultural pests of maize, sugarcane, rice, and turfgrasses.
Cyclocephala
Masked Chafers
Cyclocephala is a large genus of scarab beetles in the subfamily Dynastinae, commonly known as masked chafers. Adults are small brown beetles (10–15 mm) with a distinctive black facial mask across the eyes. The genus is endemic to the Americas, ranging from southeastern Canada to Argentina, India, and the West Indies. Adults are nocturnal or crepuscular and attracted to lights. Larvae develop in soil, feeding on organic matter and plant roots, and are significant pests of turfgrass.
Melolonthinae
June Beetles, June bugs, cockchafers, May beetles
Melolonthinae is a large and diverse subfamily of scarab beetles (Scarabaeidae) containing over 11,000 species in more than 750 genera, distributed worldwide. Adults range from 3 to 58 mm in length and are typically brown or black, often with setae or scales. The subfamily includes economically important pests such as the Melolontha cockchafers and Phyllophaga May beetles, whose larvae feed on plant roots while adults feed on foliage or may be non-feeding. Many species exhibit pronounced sexual dimorphism in antennae, with males bearing large lamellate antennae to detect female sex pheromones.
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.