Phyllophaga drakii
This record describes Phyllophaga drakii (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Identification notes
Large, dark, ovate species.
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
Ranges widely across eastern N.A.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Leaves of beech, birch, dogwood, maple, basswood, elm, and willow.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Phyllophaga drakii. 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 drakii (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by Marci Hess
Frequently Asked Questions About Phyllophaga drakii
How big is Phyllophaga drakii?
23 to 24 mm
How do you identify Phyllophaga drakii?
Large, dark, ovate species.
Where is Phyllophaga drakii found?
Range: Ranges widely across eastern N.A.
What does Phyllophaga drakii eat?
The diet of the Phyllophaga drakii includes Leaves of beech, birch, dogwood, maple, basswood, elm, and willow..