Cranberry White Grub
Phyllophaga anxia
This record describes Phyllophaga anxia (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Large, dark glabrous species with 10 antennomeres. Genitalia are quite variable, sometimes distinguished as northern and southern forms. Genitalia somewhat similar to P. implicata , but that species has a nine-segmented antennae and is usually smaller in size. Male genitalia slightly asymmetrical. Can be a serious pest.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Scarabaeoidea
- Family
- Scarabaeidae (Scarab Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Melolonthinae
- Tribe
- Rhizotrogini
- Genus
- Phyllophaga (May Beetles)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Transcontinental, most widely distributed Phyllophaga in North America. State/Province Records:
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Adult host plants include:
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Phyllophaga anxia. 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 Cranberry White Grub (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Cranberry White Grub
What is Cranberry White Grub?
Cranberry White Grub (Phyllophaga anxia) is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Cranberry White Grub?
17.2 to 22.5 mm
How do you identify Cranberry White Grub?
Large, dark glabrous species with 10 antennomeres. Genitalia are quite variable, sometimes distinguished as northern and southern forms. Genitalia somewhat similar to P. implicata , but that species has a nine-segmented antennae and is usually smaller in size. Male genitalia slightly asymmetrical.
Where is Cranberry White Grub found?
Range: Transcontinental, most widely distributed Phyllophaga in North America. State/Province Records:
What does Cranberry White Grub eat?
The diet of the Cranberry White Grub includes Adult host plants include:.