Phyllophaga crinita
This record describes Phyllophaga crinita (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance

Pronotum noticeably hairy, antennae 10-segmented, pale antennal club much longer than rest of antenna. Det. E. G. Riley, 2009
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
sc US - Map Occurs throughout Texas and is one of the most common sp. in so. TX.
Seasonal Activity
April thru Sept. ,(BG data)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: crinita (L). 'bearded'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Phyllophaga crinita. 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 crinita (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Phyllophaga crinita
What is Phyllophaga crinita?
Phyllophaga crinita is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Phyllophaga crinita?
13 to 16 mm
How do you identify Phyllophaga crinita?
Pronotum noticeably hairy, antennae 10-segmented, pale antennal club much longer than rest of antenna. Det. E. G. Riley, 2009
Where is Phyllophaga crinita found?
Range: sc US - Map Occurs throughout Texas and is one of the most common sp. in so. TX.
When is Phyllophaga crinita active?
Phyllophaga crinita: seasonal activity - April thru Sept. ,(BG data).
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