Rutelinae
Guides
Anomala carlsoni
Anomala carlsoni is a species of scarab beetle described by Hardy in 1976. It is currently recognized as a synonym of Leptohoplia carlsoni in some taxonomic databases, reflecting ongoing taxonomic uncertainty in the Rutelinae subfamily. The species is known from California, USA, placing it within the Nearctic realm. Like other members of the genus Anomala, it belongs to the chafer group of scarab beetles, though specific ecological and biological details remain undocumented in the available literature.
Anomala cavifrons
Anomala cavifrons is a species of shining leaf chafer in the family Scarabaeidae, originally described by LeConte in 1868. The species is currently recognized as a synonym of Paranomala cavifrons. It belongs to the subfamily Rutelinae, a group commonly known as shining leaf chafers. Limited specific information is available regarding its biology and ecology.
Anomala delicata
shining leaf chafer
Anomala delicata is a species of shining leaf chafer in the family Scarabaeidae. The species was described by Casey in 1915 and is currently classified under the genus Anomala, though it has been synonymized under Paranomala in some taxonomic treatments. As a member of the subfamily Rutelinae, it shares characteristics with other leaf chafers including a typically metallic or shiny appearance. Very little specific information is documented about this particular species.
Anomala diabla
Anomala diabla is a species of scarab beetle in the subfamily Rutelinae, described by Potts in 1976. It belongs to the large genus Anomala, which contains numerous species commonly known as chafers. Information regarding its biology, appearance, and ecology is extremely limited in published literature. The species is known from Texas, USA.
Anomala digressa
shining leaf chafer
Anomala digressa is a species of shining leaf chafer in the family Scarabaeidae. It is a small scarab beetle with a metallic sheen typical of the Anomala genus. The species was described by Casey in 1915 and is currently recognized as a synonym of Paranomala digressa in some taxonomic databases. Very little is known about its specific biology or ecology.
Anomala flavilla
shining leaf chafer
Anomala flavilla is a species of shining leaf chafer in the family Scarabaeidae. The species was described by Bates in 1888 and is currently recognized as a synonym of Paranomala flavilla in some taxonomic databases. As a member of the subfamily Rutelinae, it belongs to a group of scarab beetles commonly known as shining leaf chafers, characterized by their metallic or iridescent coloration. Information regarding its biology, distribution, and ecology remains limited in available sources.
Anomala flavipennis
panhandle beach anomala scarab beetle, Yellow-winged Anomala
Anomala flavipennis is a species of shining leaf chafer in the family Scarabaeidae. It is commonly known as the panhandle beach anomala scarab beetle or Yellow-winged Anomala. The species was described by Burmeister in 1844 and is currently recognized as a synonym under the genus Paranomala in some taxonomic treatments. Seven subspecies have been described, including the nominate subspecies flavipennis and regional forms such as okaloosensis and aransas.
Anomala flavipennis okaloosensis
Panhandle Beach Anomala Beetle
Anomala flavipennis okaloosensis is a subspecies of scarab beetle described by Potts in 1977. It is currently treated as a synonym in major taxonomic databases, with the accepted name being Paranomala flavipennis. The subspecies epithet "okaloosensis" suggests a geographic association with Okaloosa County or the Florida Panhandle region. Like other members of the genus Anomala, it belongs to the tribe Anomalini within the subfamily Rutelinae, a group commonly known as shining leaf chafers.
Anomala foraminosa
shining leaf chafer
Anomala foraminosa is a species of shining leaf chafer in the family Scarabaeidae. The species was described by Bates in 1888 and is currently classified under the genus Anomala, though it has also been placed in Paranomala in some taxonomic treatments. As a member of the Rutelinae subfamily, it belongs to a diverse group of scarab beetles commonly known as shining leaf chafers. The species has been documented in 61 observations on iNaturalist.
Anomala insitiva
Iridescent Anomala
Anomala insitiva is a species of shining leaf chafer in the family Scarabaeidae, first described by Robinson in 1938. It belongs to the genus Anomala, a diverse group of scarab beetles commonly known as chafers. The species has been documented in Texas, USA. Like other members of the genus, it likely exhibits the metallic coloration characteristic of shining leaf chafers.
Anomala lucicola
shining leaf chafer
Anomala lucicola is a species of shining leaf chafer in the family Scarabaeidae. The species was described by Fabricius in 1798. Some taxonomic authorities recognize this species under the genus Paranomala as Paranomala lucicola. It is part of the diverse genus Anomala, which contains numerous leaf chafer species distributed across multiple continents.
Anomala nimbosa
shining leaf chafer
Anomala nimbosa is a species of shining leaf chafer in the family Scarabaeidae. It belongs to the subfamily Rutelinae, a group commonly known as shining leaf chafers due to their often metallic or iridescent appearance. The species was described by Casey in 1915. Taxonomic databases indicate this species has been synonymized under the genus Paranomala in some classifications, though it remains listed under Anomala in other sources.
Anomala oblivia
pine chafer
Anomala oblivia, commonly known as the pine chafer, is a species of shining leaf chafer in the family Scarabaeidae. It was described by Horn in 1884. The species is currently recognized as a synonym of Paranomala oblivia in some taxonomic databases. Very little specific information is available about its biology or ecology.
Anomala orientalis
Oriental beetle, OB
A small scarab beetle native to eastern Asia, now established as an invasive pest in the northeastern United States. Adults are 7–11 mm long with mottled metallic brown and black elytra, often confused with the larger Japanese beetle. The species is notable for its subterranean lifestyle—larvae feed on plant roots while adults emerge briefly to feed on flowers and foliage. Sexual communication relies on a specific sex pheromone blend that has been chemically characterized and exploited for monitoring and control. Heavy infestations can damage turfgrass, ornamental plantings, and agricultural crops including sugarcane, maize, and pineapple.
Anomala suavis
Anomala suavis is a species of shining leaf chafer beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. The species was formally described in 2025 by Zhao, Fujioka, and Zorn, though it had been previously documented as Paranomala suavis Potts, 1976. As a member of the large genus Anomala, it belongs to a group commonly known as shining leaf chafers. Very little specific information is documented about this particular species.
Anomala undulata
shining leaf chafer
Anomala undulata is a species of shining leaf chafer in the family Scarabaeidae. It is currently recognized as a synonym of Paranomala undulata according to GBIF taxonomy. The species was described by Melsheimer in 1845 and belongs to the diverse group of scarab beetles commonly known as chafers, many of which are associated with feeding on plant material.
Anomalini
shining leaf chafers
Anomalini is a large and diverse tribe of scarab beetles within the subfamily Rutelinae, commonly known as shining leaf chafers. The tribe comprises approximately 1,300 described species worldwide, with significant representation across multiple biogeographical regions including the Palaearctic, Oriental, Ethiopian, Nearctic, and Neotropical regions. The tribe includes economically important pest species, particularly in agricultural settings, as well as numerous endemic taxa with restricted distributions. Members of Anomalini exhibit considerable morphological diversity, with diagnostic characters often concentrated in male genitalia structure and body sculpturing patterns.
Chrysina
Jewel Scarabs
Chrysina is a genus of large, charismatic scarab beetles commonly known as jewel scarabs. Adults are noted for their brilliant metallic iridescence, with coloration ranging from silver and gold to green, blue, and purple. The genus contains approximately 100 species distributed from the southwestern United States through Mexico and Central America to northern South America. Adults are nocturnal and readily attracted to lights. Larvae develop in decaying wood.
Chrysina beyeri
Beyer's scarab, Beyer's jewel scarab
Chrysina beyeri, commonly known as Beyer's scarab or Beyer's jewel scarab, is a species of shining leaf chafer in the family Scarabaeidae. This bright green beetle is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, with records from southeastern Arizona, Texas, and the Mexican states of Chihuahua, Sinaloa, and Sonora. The species is known to come to mercury-vapor and ultraviolet lights at night in oak/juniper woodland habitats.
Chrysina gloriosa
glorious beetle, glorious scarab, Glorious Jewel Scarab
Chrysina gloriosa is a metallic green scarab beetle renowned for its striking iridescent appearance. Adults measure 20–30 mm in length and display bright green elytra with silver longitudinal stripes, though rare red and purple color forms occur. The species inhabits sky island mountain ranges in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where adults feed primarily on juniper foliage and larvae develop in decaying wood of Arizona sycamore. Active both diurnally and nocturnally, adults are most frequently encountered from June through August and are strongly attracted to ultraviolet light sources. The beetle's structural coloration arises from cholesteric liquid crystal organization of chitin molecules in the cuticle, producing optical properties that change with light incidence angle.
Cotalpa
Cotalpa is a genus of scarab beetles comprising six species restricted to the Nearctic realm. These beetles belong to the subfamily Rutelinae, commonly known as shining leaf chafers. The genus was established by Burmeister in 1844. All species occur in North America, with documented observations from the United States including Vermont.
Cotalpa flavida
Shining Leaf Chafer Beetle
Cotalpa flavida is a species of scarab beetle in the subfamily Rutelinae, commonly known as the Shining Leaf Chafer Beetle. The species was described by Horn in 1878 and is native to the southwestern United States. Adults are recognized by their distinctive yellowish coloration and metallic luster.
Cotalpa lanigera
Goldsmith beetle
Cotalpa lanigera, known as the Goldsmith beetle, is a scarab beetle in the subfamily Rutelinae. Adults measure 19–26 mm and are active nocturnally during late spring and early summer. The species is distributed across eastern and central North America, with records from Canada and the northeastern United States.
Leptohoplia
shining leaf chafers
Leptohoplia is a genus of shining leaf chafers (Rutelinae) established by Saylor in 1935. The genus contains at least two described species: L. carlsoni and L. testaceipennis. It belongs to the tribe Anomalini within the scarab beetle family Scarabaeidae.
Leptohoplia testaceipennis
Leptohoplia testaceipennis is a species of shining leaf chafer beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. It was described by Saylor in 1935. The species is known from the Nearctic region, with records from California, USA. As a member of the subfamily Rutelinae, it belongs to a group commonly referred to as shining leaf chafers.
Parabyrsopolis
Parabyrsopolis is a genus of scarab beetles in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Rutelinae, described by Ohaus in 1915. The genus belongs to the tribe Rutelini and subtribe Areodina. Species within this genus occur in the southwestern United States and Mexico, where they have been documented at blacklight stations in montane habitats. One species, P. chihuahuae, has been recorded from Ramsey Canyon in the Huachuca Mountains of Arizona.
Paracotalpa
little bears
Paracotalpa is a genus of scarab beetles in the subfamily Rutelinae, commonly known as "little bears" due to the fuzzy, hairy appearance of adults. The genus contains four recognized species distributed west of the Rocky Mountains in western North America. Adults are active primarily in spring and are associated with various plant communities in arid and semi-arid regions.
Paracotalpa deserta
Paracotalpa deserta is a scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Rutelinae. The species was described by Saylor in 1940 and is known from desert regions of California and Baja California. It belongs to a genus of flower chafers found in western North America.
Paracotalpa granicollis
Hairy Bear Scarab Beetle
Paracotalpa granicollis is a scarab beetle in the subfamily Rutelinae, commonly known as the Hairy Bear Scarab Beetle. The species is endemic to the Intermountain West of North America, with documented populations across the Columbia Plateau, Great Basin, and Colorado Plateau. It is one of approximately 15 species in the genus Paracotalpa, a group of shining leaf chafers characterized by metallic coloration. The species has been recorded in eight western U.S. states and is relatively well-represented in citizen science observations.
Paracotalpa leonina
Paracotalpa leonina is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Rutelinae. It belongs to the genus Paracotalpa, which comprises several species of leaf chafer beetles distributed in western North America. The species is documented in iNaturalist with 42 observations, indicating it is encountered with moderate frequency by naturalists. Like other members of its genus, it is likely associated with vegetation and soil habitats typical of ruteline scarabs.
Paracotalpa ursina ursina
Paracotalpa ursina ursina is a subspecies of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Rutelinae. It is part of the shining leaf chafer group within the genus Paracotalpa. The taxon was described by Horn in 1867. Very few observations of this subspecies exist in public databases.
Parastasia
Parastasia is a genus of scarab beetles in the family Scarabaeidae, currently classified within the subfamily Rutelinae but with strong molecular evidence suggesting placement in the subfamily Dynastinae near the tribe Cyclocephalini. The genus occurs in Southeast Asia and includes at least four described species. Adults are associated with the flowers of aroid plants (Araceae), particularly Amorphophallus and Epipremnum.
Parastasia brevipes
Long-clubbed Scarab
Parastasia brevipes is a species of shining leaf chafer in the family Scarabaeidae. The species is classified within the subfamily Rutelinae, a group commonly known as leaf chafers. It is native to eastern and central North America, with records from multiple states in the United States. The species is relatively well-documented with 173 observations on iNaturalist.
Pelidnota
Precious Metal Scarabs
Pelidnota is a genus of scarab beetles in the family Scarabaeidae, containing over 180 described species. Members are commonly known as Precious Metal Scarabs. The genus is restricted to the Neotropics. Beetles in this genus are generally robust and often exhibit metallic coloration.
Pelidnota lugubris
shining leaf chafer
Pelidnota lugubris is a species of shining leaf chafer in the family Scarabaeidae. It belongs to a genus of large, often brightly colored scarab beetles commonly known as shining leaf chafers. The species was described by LeConte in 1874 and occurs in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico.
Pseudocotalpa andrewsi
Andrew's Dune Scarab Beetle, Andrews dune scarab beetle, Andrews dune beetle
Pseudocotalpa andrewsi is a species of shining leaf chafer in the family Scarabaeidae, commonly known as Andrew's Dune Scarab Beetle. It belongs to a small genus of ruteline scarabs. The specific epithet and common name honor an individual named Andrews. As a member of the Rutelinae subfamily, it shares characteristics with other shining leaf chafers, though specific details about its biology remain poorly documented in published literature.
Pseudocotalpa sonorica
Sonoran shining leaf chafer
Pseudocotalpa sonorica is a species of shining leaf chafer endemic to the Algodones Dunes in North America. The holotype male measures 21 mm in length. The species belongs to the family Scarabaeidae and has been described in detail including its larval stage.
Rutela formosa
handsome flower scarab
Rutela formosa, commonly known as the handsome flower scarab, is a species of shining leaf chafer in the family Scarabaeidae. The species belongs to the subfamily Rutelinae, a group of scarab beetles often noted for their metallic coloration. It occurs across the Neotropical region and extends into the southeastern United States.
Rutelini
shining leaf chafers
Rutelini is a tribe of scarab beetles commonly known as shining leaf chafers, distinguished by their often metallic or iridescent coloration. The tribe comprises approximately 14 genera and at least 40 described species, with notable genera including Chrysina (jewel scarabs), Pelidnota, and Macraspis. Members are primarily distributed in the New World tropics and subtropics. Many species exhibit striking structural coloration and have been subjects of taxonomic revision due to their morphological diversity and conservation interest.
Strigoderma knausi
A small scarab beetle endemic to the Great Plains sand dune systems of south-central Kansas, Oklahoma, and northern Texas. Males are frequently encountered by sweeping low vegetation or at light traps, where they adopt a characteristic horizontal posture with forelegs extended and antennal clubs spread to detect female sex pheromones. The species was described from specimens collected by Warren Knaus in 1923–1925 at the type locality near Medora, Kansas, and named in his honor. Females are extraordinarily rare in collections, with only a single specimen among nearly 100 examined by Bader (1992).
Strigoderma pimalis
Strigoderma pimalis is a shining leaf chafer in the family Scarabaeidae, first described by Casey in 1885. It belongs to a genus of small, often metallic scarabs commonly associated with flowers and low vegetation. The species occurs in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
Strigoderma teapensis
Strigoderma teapensis is a small scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Rutelinae. The species was described by Bates in 1888 from Teapa, Tabasco, Mexico. It occurs in eastern Mexico and has been recorded in southern Texas, USA. Like other members of the genus Strigoderma, it is likely associated with sandy or open habitats, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.