Phyllophaga submucida
This record describes Phyllophaga submucida (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
One of the few Phyllophaga that can be reasonably ID'ed from images. This species has a distinctive reddish pronotum and lighter brownish elytra with a waxy bloom, and is exceptionally common in TX. - mjpaulsen Dets. Brad Barnd (from examining these spmns) Keys in Class II species (hairy/setose above) in although hairs are very short and inconspicuous.
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 (c.TX-MO-NE), FL - Map , common in some localities
Seasonal Activity
July-August in KS ( 4 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Big Bluestem in KS ( 4 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: muci (L). 'moldy'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Phyllophaga submucida. 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 submucida (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by Bbarnd
Frequently Asked Questions About Phyllophaga submucida
What is Phyllophaga submucida?
Phyllophaga submucida is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Phyllophaga submucida?
19-20 mm
How do you identify Phyllophaga submucida?
One of the few Phyllophaga that can be reasonably ID'ed from images. This species has a distinctive reddish pronotum and lighter brownish elytra with a waxy bloom, and is exceptionally common in TX. - mjpaulsen Dets. Brad Barnd (from examining these spmns)
Where is Phyllophaga submucida found?
Range: sc US (c.TX-MO-NE), FL - Map , common in some localities
What does Phyllophaga submucida eat?
The diet of the Phyllophaga submucida includes Big Bluestem in KS ( 4 ).
When is Phyllophaga submucida active?
Phyllophaga submucida: seasonal activity - July-August in KS ( 4 ).