Auburndale Scrub Scarab Beetle
Polyphylla starkae
This record describes Polyphylla starkae (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
the largest member of the pubescens group; strongly sexually dimorphic (♀♀ more robust than ♂♂, with legs modified for burrowing) and elytral setae nearly absent. Although flight wings appear fully developed, female elytra are tightly connected at the base, suggesting females are flightless.
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
FL (peninsular)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Polyphylla starkae Skelley 2009
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Polyphylla starkae. 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 Auburndale Scrub Scarab Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by antarctica
Frequently Asked Questions About Auburndale Scrub Scarab Beetle
What is Auburndale Scrub Scarab Beetle?
Auburndale Scrub Scarab Beetle (Polyphylla starkae) is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Auburndale Scrub Scarab Beetle?
21-25 mm
How do you identify Auburndale Scrub Scarab Beetle?
the largest member of the pubescens group; strongly sexually dimorphic (♀♀ more robust than ♂♂, with legs modified for burrowing) and elytral setae nearly absent. Although flight wings appear fully developed, female elytra are tightly connected at the base, suggesting females are flightless.
Where is Auburndale Scrub Scarab Beetle found?
Range: FL (peninsular)