Rose Chafer
Macrodactylus subspinosus
This record describes Macrodactylus subspinosus (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
very similar to and hard to distinguish from M. angustatus , with which it used to be considered synonymous Males: Considered a minor pest species
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Scarabaeoidea
- Family
- Scarabaeidae (Scarab Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Melolonthinae
- Tribe
- Macrodactylini
- Genus
- Macrodactylus (Rose Chafers)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Old fields, gardens, edges with vines
Geographic Range
e. NA (QC-FL to MN-TX) - Map ; CO & MT records suspect (Art Evans, pers. comm. to =v= 5.iv.2011)
Seasonal Activity
mostly Jun-Jul (BG data), May-Jul in SC ( 3 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Adult is herbivore, feeds on wide variety of flowers and foliage. Larvae feed mostly on grass roots but have been known to attack tree seedlings roots ( 4 )
Life History
Adults emerge in early summer and feed on flowers, some leaves. They live for up to 6 weeks. Mating occurs on food sources. Eggs are laid deep (13-15 cm!) in soil and hatch in one to three weeks. Larvae feed on roots and overwinter deep in soil. Pupation in early spring in the soil, just under the surface. Adults contain cantharadin, can poison chickens, other birds.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Macrodactylus subspinosus. 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 Rose Chafer (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Bbarnd , Mike Quinn , v belov , Marci Hess
Frequently Asked Questions About Rose Chafer
What is Rose Chafer?
Rose Chafer (Macrodactylus subspinosus) is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Rose Chafer?
8-10 mm
How do you identify Rose Chafer?
very similar to and hard to distinguish from M. angustatus , with which it used to be considered synonymous Males:
Where is Rose Chafer found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Old fields, gardens, edges with vines |
| Range | e. NA (QC-FL to MN-TX) - Map ; CO & MT records suspect (Art Evans, pers. comm. to =v= 5.iv.2011) |
What does Rose Chafer eat?
The diet of the Rose Chafer includes Adult is herbivore, feeds on wide variety of flowers and foliage. Larvae feed mostly on grass roots but have been known to attack tree seedlings roots ( 4 ).
When is Rose Chafer active?
Rose Chafer: seasonal activity - mostly Jun-Jul (BG data), May-Jul in SC ( 3 ).
What is the life cycle of a Rose Chafer?
Adults emerge in early summer and feed on flowers, some leaves. They live for up to 6 weeks. Mating occurs on food sources. Eggs are laid deep (13-15 cm!) in soil and hatch in one to three weeks. Larvae feed on roots and overwinter deep in soil. Pupation in early spring in the soil, just under the surface. Adults contain cantharadin, can poison chickens, other birds.