Polyphylla pottsorum
This record describes Polyphylla pottsorum (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
La Rue (1998) defined Polyphylla pottsorum as a complex of geographical phenotypes differing mainly by male dorsal coloration. Texas considers this to be a Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) ( 4 )
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
Texas: Andrews, Ward and Winkler Counties New Mexico: Chaves, Eddy and Lea Counties - Map (La Rue 1998)
Seasonal Activity
May-Aug ( 3 )
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Polyphylla pottsorum. 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 pottsorum (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Polyphylla pottsorum
What is Polyphylla pottsorum?
Polyphylla pottsorum is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Polyphylla pottsorum?
Female: Length: 21.5 mm., Greatest width: 9.0 mm (8.5 mm at elytral humeri).
How do you identify Polyphylla pottsorum?
La Rue (1998) defined Polyphylla pottsorum as a complex of geographical phenotypes differing mainly by male dorsal coloration.
Where is Polyphylla pottsorum found?
Range: Texas: Andrews, Ward and Winkler Counties New Mexico: Chaves, Eddy and Lea Counties - Map (La Rue 1998)
When is Polyphylla pottsorum active?
Polyphylla pottsorum: seasonal activity - May-Aug ( 3 ).