Serica tristis
This record describes Serica tristis (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Color varying from chestnut to nearly black, depending largely upon the degree of maturity and condition of the specimen, surface moderately shining, distinctly less velvety than in sericea , but with a similar though less intense, metallic, iridescent sheen.
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
NY-MN-MB-NS
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Occasional pest in Maritime Provinces. Reported eating blueberry. "A large population ... was reported to have been causing extensive defoliation on apple, lilac, cherry trees and rose bushes at a site in northern NB." -- "2000 Pest Management Research Report (PMRR) 2000 Growing Season", Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada report.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Serica tristis. 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 tristis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr; Additional contributions by Bbarnd , Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Serica tristis
What is Serica tristis?
Serica tristis is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Serica tristis?
7-8.5 mm
How do you identify Serica tristis?
Color varying from chestnut to nearly black, depending largely upon the degree of maturity and condition of the specimen, surface moderately shining, distinctly less velvety than in sericea , but with a similar though less intense, metallic, iridescent sheen.
Where is Serica tristis found?
Range: NY-MN-MB-NS
What does Serica tristis eat?
The diet of the Serica tristis includes Occasional pest in Maritime Provinces. Reported eating blueberry. A large population ... was reported to have been causing extensive defoliation on apple, lilac, cherry trees and rose bushes at a site in northern NB. -- 2000 Pest Management Research Report (PMRR) 2000 Growing Season, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada report..