Phyllophaga crenulata
This record describes Phyllophaga crenulata (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Typically quite hairy. Size, color, and vestiture variable. Antennae 10-segmented. Larvae may damage sod, field crops, and coniferous nurseries ( 3 )
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
e.US (MA‒FL to SD‒TX)
Seasonal Activity
Mar‒Aug (one of the earliest spp. to emerge in FL)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: leaves of various deciduous trees & shrubs ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Phyllophaga crenulata (Froelich 1792)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Phyllophaga crenulata. 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 Phyllophaga crenulata (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by MJ Paulsen; Additional contributions by Bbarnd , Mike Quinn , v belov , Marci Hess
Frequently Asked Questions About Phyllophaga crenulata
What is Phyllophaga crenulata?
Phyllophaga crenulata is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Phyllophaga crenulata?
14.8‒22.2 mm ; 14.4‒19.6 mm
How do you identify Phyllophaga crenulata?
Typically quite hairy. Size, color, and vestiture variable. Antennae 10-segmented.
Where is Phyllophaga crenulata found?
Range: e.US (MA‒FL to SD‒TX)
What does Phyllophaga crenulata eat?
The diet of the Phyllophaga crenulata includes leaves of various deciduous trees & shrubs ( 3 ).
When is Phyllophaga crenulata active?
Phyllophaga crenulata: seasonal activity - Mar‒Aug (one of the earliest spp. to emerge in FL).