ColeopteraScarabaeidae – Scarab Beetles

Phyllophaga forsteri

This record describes Phyllophaga forsteri (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Phyllophaga forsteri - Phyllophaga forsteri — Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by Marci Hess

Identification notes

Antennae 10-segmented.

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

Eastern U.S.

Diet and Behavior

Diet: Wide variety of hardwoods; some reports of feeding on pine.

About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group

Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Phyllophaga forsteri. 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.

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