ColeopteraScarabaeidae – Scarab Beetles

Phyllophaga karlsioei

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

Identification and Appearance

Phyllophaga karlsioei - Phyllophaga karlsioei
Contributed by Mike Quinn

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.

Explore Coleoptera families and species →

Photos of Phyllophaga karlsioei (5)

Phyllophaga karlsioei - photo 1
Contributed by Mike Quinn
Phyllophaga karlsioei - photo 2
Contributed by Mike Quinn
Phyllophaga karlsioei - photo 3
Contributed by Mike Quinn
Phyllophaga karlsioei - photo 4
Contributed by Mike Quinn
Phyllophaga karlsioei - photo 5
Contributed by Mike Quinn

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.

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.