Polyphylla unnamed
Polyphylla n-sp-az
This record describes Polyphylla n-sp-az (unresolved taxon). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Can be differentiated from the sympatric Polyphylla proba by the densely hairy pronotum. Pending description by D. Hawks
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
Endemic to Madera Canyon, Santa Rita Mountains, AZ.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Polyphylla n-sp-az. 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 unnamed (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by antarctica
Frequently Asked Questions About Polyphylla unnamed
What is Polyphylla unnamed?
Polyphylla unnamed (Polyphylla n-sp-az) is a unresolved taxon in the family Scarabaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Polyphylla unnamed?
Can be differentiated from the sympatric Polyphylla proba by the densely hairy pronotum.
Where is Polyphylla unnamed found?
Range: Endemic to Madera Canyon, Santa Rita Mountains, AZ.