Scarabaeidae (Part 2)

As promised, here is the other representative of the scarab family that I have collected - two specimens, one wings spread, the other wings closed. They were both found around twilight, are not known to bite, and are approximately 1cm to 1.5cm long, and 7 mm wide.

Coleoptera; Polyphaga; Scarabaeoidea; Scarabaeidae; Dynastinae; Cyclocephalini; Cyclocephala lurida
Common Name: Southern Masked Chafer

Masked Chafers are beetles native to North America, and an agricultural pest across the country, though is most common in the southern states. They tend to be a dull yellow-orange color, with a dark head. Their distinguishing characteristics as a genus include a rounded clypeus (frontal mouth plate) and a relatively large fifth foot segment, or tarsomere. The species attack the roots of plants, particularly turfgrasses. The larvae are large white grubs, about 8 mm long, and gradually darken to a reddish color before they pupate into adult beetles.

Scarabaeidae

Since finals are right around the corner (next week) I have been rather busy and unable to go collect insects. Also, the weather has been pretty cold, so not much insect activity has been going on - even my captive caterpillars are less active and show less appetite. All the same, I feel it necessary to update periodically. One of my favorite insects is the green fruit beetle, a large common scarab beetle in San Diego county.

Coleoptera; Polyphaga; Scarabaeoidea; Scarabaeidae; Cetoniidae; Gymnetini; Cotinis mutabilis
Common Name: Green Fruit Beetle; Fig Beetle;

People call them "fig beetles" as well, since they are found eating figs and there are a lot of fig trees down here. There is a particularly huge one down at Balboa park and if you go there during the summer, you will inevitably see a few crushed green scarab beetles or they'll be flying awkwardly around the trees. They do not bite but their legs have very sharp claws. This specimen is a bit larger than average, about 1 and 1/4 inches long, 3/4 inches wide, and 1/2 inch high. Their larvae are about 1 inch long, white, and wrinkly in appearance. I was considering including a second scarabaeoid beetle in this entry, but it will have to wait - too tired to look up the likely species. Hopefully I will go collecting next week! I may also have a special feature on Grunions, as the Grunion runs are upon us here in San Diego!