Phyllophaga ephilida
This record describes Phyllophaga ephilida (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Best diagnosed by examination of genitalia. Some external characters include antennae 10-segmented, glabrous dorsum, and a barely sinuate clypeus. Similar in general appearance to P. clypeata , except clypeata has a 9-segmented antennae. Much more similar to P. forbesi , which can be separated by genitalia characters only. Riley noted that about 50% of females examined were lacking a pubic process, apparently lost during mating.
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
Larvae feed on plant material (roots) in the ground. Can be a pest species.
Geographic Range
e US (TX-GA-PA-IA) - Map
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Depending on climate, may take 1 to 3 years for the larvae to mature.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Phyllophaga ephilida. 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 ephilida (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by Phillip Harpootlian , Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Phyllophaga ephilida
What is Phyllophaga ephilida?
Phyllophaga ephilida is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Phyllophaga ephilida?
14 to 19 mm in length
How do you identify Phyllophaga ephilida?
Best diagnosed by examination of genitalia. Some external characters include antennae 10-segmented, glabrous dorsum, and a barely sinuate clypeus. Similar in general appearance to P. clypeata , except clypeata has a 9-segmented antennae. Much more similar to P. forbesi , which can be separated by genitalia characters only. Riley noted that about 50% of females examined were lacking a pubic process, apparently lost during mating.
Where is Phyllophaga ephilida found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Larvae feed on plant material (roots) in the ground. Can be a pest species. |
| Range | e US (TX-GA-PA-IA) - Map |
What is the life cycle of a Phyllophaga ephilida?
Depending on climate, may take 1 to 3 years for the larvae to mature.