Phyllophaga gracilis
This record describes Phyllophaga gracilis (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Elongate, cylindrical, pale rufotestaceous, thorax somewhat darker. |
| Head | head fuscous or piceous. |
| Head | Head broad, eyes large, especially in the male. Clypeus short, deeply emarginate, margin not wielely reflexed. Claws feebly curved. the tooth small and nearly median. Fairly common in some localities. |
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 - Map
Seasonal Activity
June to middle of August
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Host families: Beech, bignania, ebony, elm, grass, honeysuckle, pianetree, pulse, rose, tupelo, vine, walnut, willow, witchhazel.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: gracilis (L). 'slender'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Phyllophaga gracilis. 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 gracilis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Bbarnd , Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Phyllophaga gracilis
What is Phyllophaga gracilis?
Phyllophaga gracilis is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Phyllophaga gracilis?
10.5-13 mm
How do you identify Phyllophaga gracilis?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Elongate, cylindrical, pale rufotestaceous, thorax somewhat darker. |
| Head | head fuscous or piceous. |
| Head | Head broad, eyes large, especially in the male. Clypeus short, deeply emarginate, margin not wielely reflexed. Claws feebly curved. the tooth small and nearly median. |
Where is Phyllophaga gracilis found?
Range: e. US - Map
What does Phyllophaga gracilis eat?
The diet of the Phyllophaga gracilis includes Host families: Beech, bignania, ebony, elm, grass, honeysuckle, pianetree, pulse, rose, tupelo, vine, walnut, willow, witchhazel..
When is Phyllophaga gracilis active?
Phyllophaga gracilis: seasonal activity - June to middle of August.