Phyllophaga squamipilosa
This record describes Phyllophaga squamipilosa (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
note elongated (hair-like) scales on pronotum Det. Glenn A. Salsbury, 2015 described from Texas without further locality (Saylor, 1936), and no additional details regarding its distribution have appeared until Riley & Wolfe who examined five specimens from Hemphill county, Texas, one specimen from western Oklahoma and two specimens from Stevens county, Kansas. doesn't reach Nebraska per Ratcliffe & Paulsen
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
Habitat
dustbowl region
Geographic Range
TX panhandle, w. OK, sw. KS (based on eight spmns) - Map
Diet and Behavior
Life History
will probably be found to be diurnal
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Phyllophaga squamipilosa Saylor, 1937
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Phyllophaga squamipilosa. 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 squamipilosa (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Blaine Mathison; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Phyllophaga squamipilosa
What is Phyllophaga squamipilosa?
Phyllophaga squamipilosa is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Phyllophaga squamipilosa?
note elongated (hair-like) scales on pronotum Det. Glenn A. Salsbury, 2015
Where is Phyllophaga squamipilosa found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | dustbowl region |
| Range | TX panhandle, w. OK, sw. KS (based on eight spmns) - Map |
What is the life cycle of a Phyllophaga squamipilosa?
will probably be found to be diurnal