Polyphylla hammondi
This record describes Polyphylla hammondi (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
the central member of the hammondi complex, for which several spp. are recognized based on good morphological characters (like P. brownae ); western members of the complex need detailed study ( 3 )
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
widespread in w.US, with isolated populations east of the Mississippi River (in MS, IL, IN, WI) ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Polyphylla hammondi LeConte 1856
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Polyphylla hammondi. 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 hammondi (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Phillip Harpootlian; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Polyphylla hammondi
What is Polyphylla hammondi?
Polyphylla hammondi is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Polyphylla hammondi?
24.8‒35.5 mm ( 3 )
How do you identify Polyphylla hammondi?
the central member of the hammondi complex, for which several spp. are recognized based on good morphological characters (like P. brownae ); western members of the complex need detailed study ( 3 )
Where is Polyphylla hammondi found?
Range: widespread in w.US, with isolated populations east of the Mississippi River (in MS, IL, IN, WI) ( 3 )