Serica sericea
This record describes Serica sericea (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Color deep chestnut, surface velvety and opaque but in shifting lights showing a very brilliant metallic sheen of rainbow colors. Not strongly setose on head or pronotum.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Scarabaeoidea
- Family
- Scarabaeidae (Scarab Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Melolonthinae
- Tribe
- Sericini
- Genus
- Serica
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
WA-FL-QC-NT
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Serica sericea. 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 Serica sericea (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Bbarnd | Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Bbarnd , Mike Quinn , Thrasher
Frequently Asked Questions About Serica sericea
What is Serica sericea?
Serica sericea is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Serica sericea?
9 mm
How do you identify Serica sericea?
Color deep chestnut, surface velvety and opaque but in shifting lights showing a very brilliant metallic sheen of rainbow colors. Not strongly setose on head or pronotum.
Where is Serica sericea found?
Range: WA-FL-QC-NT