Cuban May Beetle
Phyllophaga bruneri
This record describes Phyllophaga bruneri (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Color pattern and small size are diagnostic. Antennae 9-segmented. Type Locality: Estacion Central Agronomica de Cuba, La Habana, Cuba
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
Habitat
mostly coastal counties
Geographic Range
adventive to peninsular Florida, native to Cuba - Map , Introduced around 1959
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Phyllophaga bruneri Chapin, 1932
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Phyllophaga bruneri. 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 Cuban May Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Eric R. Eaton; Additional contributions by Bbarnd , Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Cuban May Beetle
What is Cuban May Beetle?
Cuban May Beetle (Phyllophaga bruneri) is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Cuban May Beetle?
7.8 to 10.3 mm
How do you identify Cuban May Beetle?
Color pattern and small size are diagnostic. Antennae 9-segmented.
Where is Cuban May Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | mostly coastal counties |
| Range | adventive to peninsular Florida, native to Cuba - Map , Introduced around 1959 |