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

Phyllophaga karlsioei (Linell) Det. E. G. Riley, 1998 Types: Two examples, male and female, collected at electric light in Hot Springs, Arkansas, by Doctor W. J. Karlsioe, and kindly presented to the National Museum. (Linell 1898)
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 (TX-LA-AR-OK) , , ,
Seasonal Activity
Mar-May
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Host families: Tupelo, walnut
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: patronym for Dr. W. J. Karlsioe. (See remarks.)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Phyllophaga karlsioei. 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 karlsioei (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Phyllophaga karlsioei
What is Phyllophaga karlsioei?
Phyllophaga karlsioei is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Phyllophaga karlsioei?
Length 25 mm (Linell 1898)
How do you identify Phyllophaga karlsioei?
Phyllophaga karlsioei (Linell) Det. E. G. Riley, 1998
Where is Phyllophaga karlsioei found?
Range: sc US (TX-LA-AR-OK) , , ,
What does Phyllophaga karlsioei eat?
The diet of the Phyllophaga karlsioei includes Host families: Tupelo, walnut.
When is Phyllophaga karlsioei active?
Phyllophaga karlsioei: seasonal activity - Mar-May.
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