Anomala undulata
Anomalacra undulata
This record describes Anomalacra undulata (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
mostly March-May (emphasis added) Elytral maculation similar to innuba (e. added) [recommend ignoring the elytal patterns of both spp., except for the apical umbone - MAQ] Pronotal macula commonly complete to basal margin, but if not, then broadly rectangular, not especially constricted anteriorly nor pointed posteriorly (e. added) apical elytral umbonal rarely dark; head often entirely red-brown; scutellum dark or broadly dark margined, with pale median area. - most common pronotal pattern - less common pronotal pattern
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Scarabaeoidea
- Family
- Scarabaeidae (Scarab Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Rutelinae
- Tribe
- Anomalini
- Genus
- Anomalacra
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Found on foliage and flowers of grasses, herbs, shrubs. Also comes to lights.
Geographic Range
e US (TX-FL-PA-IA) to Columbia - Map
Seasonal Activity
mostly March-May (emphasis added) , but adults and larvae may be found on roots of crops, such as cabbage, in winter (South Carolina).
Diet and Behavior
Diet: On broomsedge and roses; adults and larvae at cabbage roots in December.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Anomala undulata Melsheimer, 1845
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Anomalacra undulata. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Anomala undulata (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Phillip Harpootlian; Additional contributions by cotinis , Bbarnd , Mike Quinn , Arturo Santos
Frequently Asked Questions About Anomala undulata
What is Anomala undulata?
Anomala undulata (Anomalacra undulata) is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Anomala undulata?
7.5 to 10.5 mm
How do you identify Anomala undulata?
mostly March-May (emphasis added) Elytral maculation similar to innuba (e. added) [recommend ignoring the elytal patterns of both spp., except for the apical umbone - MAQ] Pronotal macula commonly complete to basal margin, but if not, then broadly rectangular, not especially constricted anteriorly nor pointed posteriorly (e. added) apical elytral umbonal rarely dark; head often entirely red-brown; scutellum dark or broadly dark margined, with pale median area. - most common pronotal pattern - less common pronotal pattern
Where is Anomala undulata found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Found on foliage and flowers of grasses, herbs, shrubs. Also comes to lights. |
| Range | e US (TX-FL-PA-IA) to Columbia - Map |
What does Anomala undulata eat?
The diet of the Anomala undulata includes On broomsedge and roses; adults and larvae at cabbage roots in December..
When is Anomala undulata active?
Anomala undulata: seasonal activity - mostly March-May (emphasis added) , but adults and larvae may be found on roots of crops, such as cabbage, in winter (South Carolina)..