Phyllophaga micans
This record describes Phyllophaga micans (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
elytral surface with a pruinose coating , but this feature is shared with several other spp. such as Phyllophaga latifrons (LeConte). Clypeus concave and feebly emarginate, the border moderately reflexed Det. Blaine Mathison, 2011 common in se. US.
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 (TX-FL-NY-IA) - Map
Seasonal Activity
March-June
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Beech, birch, dogwood, ebony, elm, heath, honeysuckle, laurel, logania, loosestrife, magnolia, mahogany, mallow, maple, olive, pine, pulse, rose, saxifrage, sumac, tupelo, vine, walnut, willow, and witchhazel.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: micans (L). 'granular'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Phyllophaga micans. 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 micans (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Blaine Mathison; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Phyllophaga micans
What is Phyllophaga micans?
Phyllophaga micans is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Phyllophaga micans?
15-17 mm
How do you identify Phyllophaga micans?
elytral surface with a pruinose coating , but this feature is shared with several other spp. such as Phyllophaga latifrons (LeConte). Clypeus concave and feebly emarginate, the border moderately reflexed Det. Blaine Mathison, 2011
Where is Phyllophaga micans found?
Range: e. US (TX-FL-NY-IA) - Map
What does Phyllophaga micans eat?
The diet of the Phyllophaga micans includes Beech, birch, dogwood, ebony, elm, heath, honeysuckle, laurel, logania, loosestrife, magnolia, mahogany, mallow, maple, olive, pine, pulse, rose, saxifrage, sumac, tupelo, vine, walnut, willow, and witchhazel..
When is Phyllophaga micans active?
Phyllophaga micans: seasonal activity - March-June.