Phyllophaga quercus
This record describes Phyllophaga quercus (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Glabrous with surface pruinose. |
| Elytra | Elytra noticeably paler than head and pronotum. |
| Antennae | Antennae 9-segmented. Clypeus distinctly emarginate. , Male genitalia: |
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 U.S. to e.TX (Sabine Co.) - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Adults recorded from a wide variety of trees.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Phyllophaga quercus. 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 quercus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Blaine Mathison; Additional contributions by Bbarnd , Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Phyllophaga quercus
What is Phyllophaga quercus?
Phyllophaga quercus is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Phyllophaga quercus?
14 to 16 mm
How do you identify Phyllophaga quercus?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Glabrous with surface pruinose. |
| Elytra | Elytra noticeably paler than head and pronotum. |
| Antennae | Antennae 9-segmented. Clypeus distinctly emarginate. , Male genitalia: |
Where is Phyllophaga quercus found?
Range: e U.S. to e.TX (Sabine Co.) - Map
What does Phyllophaga quercus eat?
The diet of the Phyllophaga quercus includes Adults recorded from a wide variety of trees..