Polyphylla crinita
This record describes Polyphylla crinita (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Tricolor (orange, black, white). |
| Elytra | Elytra integument black; covered in yellow/golden scales. |
| Pronotum | Pronotum with erect hairs in central area. Most likely a geographic morph of P. decemlineata and not a distinct species, per D. Hawks (based on unpublished molecular and morphological data). |
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Scarabaeoidea
- Family
- Scarabaeidae (Scarab Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Melolonthinae
- Tribe
- Melolonthini
- Genus
- Polyphylla (Lined June Beetles)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Coastal in OR-CA, widespread in WA-ID-so.BC
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Polyphylla crinita LeConte 1856
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Polyphylla crinita. 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 Polyphylla crinita (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , antarctica , Nathaniel Green
Frequently Asked Questions About Polyphylla crinita
What is Polyphylla crinita?
Polyphylla crinita is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Polyphylla crinita?
~30 mm
How do you identify Polyphylla crinita?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Tricolor (orange, black, white). |
| Elytra | Elytra integument black; covered in yellow/golden scales. |
| Pronotum | Pronotum with erect hairs in central area. |
Where is Polyphylla crinita found?
Range: Coastal in OR-CA, widespread in WA-ID-so.BC