Phyllophaga zavalana
This record describes Phyllophaga zavalana (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
pronotum densely and coarsely punctate except immediately behind flattened middle area and usually one or more smaller impunctate areas nearer lateral margin (Reinhard, 1946) Det. V. Belov, 2025 Type Locality: Zavala County, Texas, October 24, 1941 (S. E. Jones)
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
described from just over 200 spmns from Zavala and Dimmit Counties, TX (Reinhard, 1946)
Geographic Range
sw.TX - Map
Seasonal Activity
Apr to Oct, based on just over 200 spmns (Reinhard, 1946)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Phyllophaga zavalana Reinhard 1946
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Phyllophaga zavalana. 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 zavalana (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by Bbarnd , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Phyllophaga zavalana
What is Phyllophaga zavalana?
Phyllophaga zavalana is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Phyllophaga zavalana?
Length: 17-20 mm (Reinhard, 1946)
How do you identify Phyllophaga zavalana?
pronotum densely and coarsely punctate except immediately behind flattened middle area and usually one or more smaller impunctate areas nearer lateral margin (Reinhard, 1946) Det. V. Belov, 2025
Where is Phyllophaga zavalana found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | described from just over 200 spmns from Zavala and Dimmit Counties, TX (Reinhard, 1946) |
| Range | sw.TX - Map |
When is Phyllophaga zavalana active?
Phyllophaga zavalana: seasonal activity - Apr to Oct, based on just over 200 spmns (Reinhard, 1946).