Death Valley June Beetle
Polyphylla erratica
This record describes Polyphylla erratica (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
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
Habitat
saltgrass communities
Geographic Range
Kelso Sand Dunes, Mojave Desert, San Bernardino Co., CA (Hardy and Andrews 1978)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Polyphylla erratica Hardy and Andrews 1978
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Polyphylla erratica. 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 Death Valley June Beetle (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn