Genus Phyllophaga Research Articles

Spatial and temporal variation in New Hampshire bat diets

Insectivorous bats consume a diverse array of arthropod prey, with diets varying by bat species, sampling location, and season. North American bat diets remain incompletely described, which is concerning at a time when many bat and insect populations appear to be declining. Understanding the variability in foraging is thus an essential component for effective bat conservation. To comprehensively evaluate local foraging, we assessed the spatial and temporal variability in prey consumed by the little brown bat, Myotis lucifugus, in New Hampshire, USA. We collected bat guano samples from 20 sites over 2 years and analyzed sequence data for 899 of these samples using a molecular metabarcoding approach targeting the cytochrome oxidase I subunit (COI) gene. Some prey items were broadly shared across locations and sampling dates, with the most frequently detected arthropod orders broadly similar to previous morphological and molecular analyses; at least one representative sequence variant was assigned to Coleoptera in 92% of samples, with other frequently detected orders including Diptera (73%), Lepidoptera (65%), Trichoptera (38%), and Ephemeroptera (32%). More specifically, two turf and forest pests were routinely detected: white grubs in the genus Phyllophaga (50%), and the Asiatic Garden beetle, Maladera castanea (36%). Despite the prevalence of a few taxa shared among many samples and distinct seasonal peaks in consumption of specific arthropods, diet composition varied both temporally and spatially. However, species richness did not strongly vary indicating consumption of a broad diversity of taxa throughout the summer. These data characterize little brown bats as flexible foragers adept at consuming a broad array of locally available prey resources.

Dynamics of natural infection of white grub larvae by Beauveria and Metarhizium in maize crops from Mexico

ABSTRACT White grubs in the genus Phyllophaga are serious pest affecting many crops including maize. Entomopathogenic fungi are among the most promising biological control agents against white grubs. We hypothesised that there would be a temporal and/or spatial succession of entomopathogenic fungal species present in populations of Phyllophaga larvae throughout a maize crop season. Therefore, in order to assess the taxonomic and genetic diversity of fungal pathogens, we undertook a two-year field study sampling Phyllophaga larvae on maize crops at 11 localities from Mexico on a monthly basis, from August to December in 2019 and July to November in 2020. Entomopathogenic fungi infecting Phyllophaga larvae were isolated and identified to species level based on partial Bloc and Elongation Factor 1-α sequences. Genetic variation in the most abundant species was assessed by AMOVA and Haplotype network analyses. In total, we collected 3198 Phyllophaga larvae. Four Phyllophaga species were identified: Phyllophaga ravida Blanchard, P. polyphylla Bates, P. integriceps Mocer and P. vetula Horn. From the total larvae collected, 124 were infected by Beauveria and 15 by Metarhizium. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the majority of the isolates were from the species Beauveria pseudobassiana and Metarhizium pingshaense. The Analysis of Molecular Variance (AMOVA) showed that neither year of collection nor sampling locality had a significant effect on genetic variation among B. pseudobassina isolates. However, haplotype network analysis identified two separate networks, each containing mostly isolates from 2019 and 2020 respectively. We discuss the potential effect of abiotic factors on infection levels found in Phyllophaga larvae.

Description of teratologies in two species of the genus Phyllophaga (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Melolonthinae)

The aim of this work is to describe and illustrate new teratological cases in species of the genus Phyllophaga. A total of 830 specimens collected in 2013 and 2017 in Sierra Sur region of the state of Oaxaca, Mexico were reviewed. Two cases of morphological anomalies were found. The first case is a clypeal malformation in Phyllophaga dasypoda, and the second case is a bifurcated right antenna with double antennal club in Phyllophaga misteca.

Species of the White GrubComplex Associated with Amaranth at Puebla, Mexico

Much amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus L.) is produced in the State of Puebla, Mexico. Considering the increase in agricultural production, there has been an increase in area devoted to the crop, favoring conditions and increasing pests including the white grub complex that damages it. The objective of this work was to determine the species of the white grub complex associated with cultivation of amaranth in the State of Puebla, Mexico, as well as to develop a dichotomous key for identification of larvae to species found in the amaranth crop. In total, 2,330 larvae in two families, two subfamilies, eight genera, and 23 species were collected. The genus Phyllophaga was most common at the study area. However, the amaranth-producing zone in the State of Puebla also included genera such as Euphoria and Strigoderma that are saprophagous. A dichotomous key was created for larvae of 23 species (Coleoptera: Lamellicornia) associated with cultivation of amaranth in the State of Puebla, Mexico.

Four new species of Phyllophaga Harris(Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Melolonthinae) from western Cuba.

Four new species in the genus Phyllophaga Harris 1827, subgenus Cnemarachis Saylor 1942 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Melolonthinae) from Cuba are described: Phyllophaga barroi new species, Phyllophaga guanahacabibensis new species, Phyllophaga pauli new species, and Phyllophaga sabanalamarensis new species. Each species is illustrated using photographs of the habitus, diagnostic features, and male aedeagi. A map is provided showing the geographical distributions of the new species.

Relaciones filogenéticas de las especies de Chlaenobia con otros miembros de Phyllophaga s. lato (Coleoptera: Melolonthidae: Melolonthinae)

Previous studies of the genus Phyllophaga Harris, 1827 have provided evidence that would allow the subgenus Chlaenobia Blanchard, 1850 to be restored at the genus level. Moreover, they suggest that Chirodines Bates, 1888 could be a branch of the ancestral stem of species included in subgenus Chlaenobia, because it shares with them the highest number of morphological characters. To test the Chlaenobia status and to corroborate the monophyly of Chlaenobia+Chirodines, a phylogenetic study based on parsimony, including 12 representatives of such genera and 88 taxa of other groups of Phyllophaga s. lato was carried out. The topology obtained in the strict consensus tree shows that the Chlaenobia limits are very clear (bootstrap of 80%), supported by 3 synapomorphies and a combination of 4 character states that are not exclusive to the group. Based on the hypothesis obtained, the revalidation of Chlaenobia as genus and the synonymy of Chirodines are proposed.

The genus Phyllophaga Harris (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Melolonthinae) in the Colombian Andean Mountains.

The number of species in the genus Phyllophaga Harris (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Melolonthinae) in Colombia is updated to 33. This group represents one of the most common components of the "white grubs" complex, known to damage important agricultural crops, especially in the Colombian Andean Mountains. A commented taxonomic history of the genus is provided, including five new records for the country (P. schizorhina, P. onoreana, P. densata, P. guanacasteca, and P. gigantea) and Phyllophaga tesorito is described as a new species. A key to the identification of male specimens of 30 species is included with a catalogue illustrating their key structures. Finally, aspects related to their ecological importance, geographic distribution, and phenology are discussed.

Análisis filogenético del subgénero Phyllophaga (Triodonyx) (Coleoptera: Melolonthidae: Melolonthinae)

A phylogenetic study of the subgenus Phyllophaga (Triodonyx) based on external morphology and male and female genitalia characters of adult specimens is presented. The cladistic analysis included 48 taxa of Melolonthinae and 140 morphological characters. Three equally parsimonious trees were obtained. The results allowed to conclude that the 5 species traditionally included in the subgenus Triodonyx do not belong to the genus Phyllophaga. The restitution of the genus Triodonyx and the formation of the subtribe Triodonina are proposed. The relationships of the new group with other tribes of Melolonthinae are preliminarily commented.

INFECTIVIDAD DE Heterorhabditis indica (Rhabditida: Heterorhabditidae) EN ADULTOS Y LARVAS DE GALLINA CIEGA (Coleoptera: Melolonthidae)

To determine the potential of the nematode Heterorhabditis indica in the management of the white grub complex (Col: Melolonthidae), during 2010 and 2011 bioassays were implemented with larvae and adults of the pest in Jiquilpan, Michoacan, Mexico. The insects were collected in the study region; the first, in corn, and the latter, in light traps, where the genus Phyllophaga dominated. A dose of 2,500 nematodes·ml -1 per individual was applied and the mortality readings began at 24 h. To determine mortality, an analysis of variance was employed. The time in which 50 % of the population died (LT50) was estimated by means of probit analysis. The infectivity of the nema- tode was estimated through larvae of Galleria mellonella in three regional soils. In addition, correlation tests were practiced to know the relationship between the soil characteristics and mortality. Five days later, the mortality of third stage larvae was 46 %. For adults, the LT50 was estimated at 48.97 h (47-49 - 51.34 h). No infective juveniles emerged from any of the adults killed by H. indica. The texture, pH and EC were the soil characteristics that influenced most in the activity of the nematode. Results show that H. indica has potential for the management of larvae and adults of Phyllophaga spp. The technique of self-dissemination of the nematode is proposed using adults of white grub. However, first it is necessary to identify the cause that limited the emergence of juvenile nematodes from adults of the pest.

Asiatic Garden BeetleMaladera castanea(Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) Grubs Found in Damaged Turf in Alabama

Asiatic Garden Beetle<i>Maladera castanea</i>(Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) Grubs Found in Damaged Turf in Alabama

THE INTERFACE BETWEEN PHYLOGENETICS AND POPULATION GENETICS: INVESTIGATING GENE TREES, SPECIES TREES, AND POPULATION DYNAMICS IN THE PHYLLOPHAGA FRATERNA SPECIES GROUP

This study uses traditional and contemporary phylogenetic and population genetic analyses to assess the causes of discordance (i.e., lineage sorting and introgression) among mitochondrial and nuclear gene trees for a clade of eastern North American scarab beetles (fraterna species group, genus Phyllophaga). I estimated gene trees using individual and combined analysis of one mitochondrial and two nuclear loci in MrBayes, and inferred a species tree using a hierarchical coalescent approach based on all loci in the program Best. Because hybridization violates the assumptions of BEST, I tested for introgression by comparing species monophyly between the mitochondrial and nuclear gene trees based on the prediction that cytoplasmic genomes introgress more readily than nuclear genomes. Haplotype exclusivity was identified using Bayesian tests of monophyly and the genealogical sorting index. I used the results of the phylogenetic analyses and monophyly tests to develop an explicit hypothesis of introgression that could be tested in the program IMa. Results from these analyses provided evidence for introgression across clades within the fraterna group. The tiered analytical approach used in this study demonstrated how the use of multiple methods can identify when assumptions are violated and methods are prone to yield misleading results.

First Record of Phyllophaga sp. Aff. capillata (Coleoptera: Melolonthidae) as a Soybean Pest in the Brazilian “Cerrado”

Insects known in Brazil as coros are beetle larvae (Cole?ptera) of the family Melolonthidae (sensu Endr?di 1966; Mor?n 1997, 2001a; Mor?n et al. 1997). Many of these species feed on roots of a wide range of cultivated plants and are consid ered pests worldwide (Mor?n 1997). The genus Phyllophaga Harris stands out as one of the most important due to the damage many cause to agri cultural systems (Saylor 1942). They could be con sidered one of the most serious pests in Mexico and Central America (Mor?n et al. 1996). Damage caused by Phyllophaga in the Americas have been recorded in several crops, including corn (Zea mays L.), potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum L.), peanut (Ara chis hypogea L.), bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), pepper (Capsicum annum L.), coffee (Coffea ara bica L.), pastures, vegetables, ornamental plants (Pardo-Locarno et al. 2005; Mor?n 1997; King 1984), soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) (Oli veira et al. 2004; Salvadori & Oliveira 2001), and wheat (Triticum aestivum (L.) Thell) (Salvadori & Silva 2004; Salvadori & Oliveira 2001). About 369 species o? Phyllophaga are known in Mexico (Mor?n 2003). Although many related studies have been conducted in Mexico and Cen

FAUNA DE COLEOPTERA MELOLONTHIDA E DE VILLA LAS ROSAS, CHIAPAS, MÉXICO

Se presenta un estudio de las especies nocturnas de la familia Melolonthidae (sensu Endrödi, 1966) en Villa Las Rosas, Chiapas, con los objetivos de conocer su riqueza, abundancia y fenología. El municipio de Villa Las Rosas, se encuentra a 1,240 m de altitud, en un ambiente de transición entre selva baja subcaducifolia y bosque de coníferas. Para la captura de los ejemplares se utilizaron como trampas de luz las lámparas del alumbrado público. Durante 1999-2000 se aplicó un esfuerzo de colecta sistemática de 103 noches, y se capturaron 4,029 ejemplares pertenecientes a 50 especies de los géneros Diplotaxis, Phyllophaga, Polyphylla, Hoplia, A nomala, Pelidnota, Cyclocephala, Euetheola, Ligyrus, Coelosis, Enema, Strategus, Xyloryctes, Spodistes, A rchophileurus, Hemiphileurus y Phileurus. La mayor riqueza y abundancia correspondió a las especies de Phyllophaga (16 spp.) y A nomala (11 spp.), algunas de las cuales podrían tener importancia económica, como posibles plagas que consumen las raíces de los cultivos en la región. Se citan por primera vez para México: A rchophileurus simplex (Bates) y Phyllophaga anolaminata (Moser), y se consideran como primeros registros para Chiapas: A nomala decolor Bates, A . forreri Bates, Diplotaxis consentanea Bates, D. simillima Moser y Hoplia squamifera Burmeister. Se incluye una clave para separar las 50 especies encontradas. El 51% de las especies de Villa Las Rosas corresponde al patrón Paleoamericano con amplio éxito (sensu Halffter, 1976), pero a nivel genérico el predominio es Neotropical. Esta fauna tiene más similitud (QS Sorensen) con Los Tuxtlas, Veracruz (27.72% ) y las montañas del Noreste de Hidalgo (27.40% ).

Fauna de Coleoptera Lamellicornia de la región de Tépic, Nayarit, México.

Se realizo un estudio comparativo de la fauna do coleopteros Melolonthidae, Scarabaeidae, Trogidae y Passalidae en la zoria coniprendida entre Tepic, Conipostela y San José Mojarras, Nayant, México, Los datos se obtuvieron entre 1994 y 1996 principalmente con trampas de luz instaladas en los campos cultivados con caña de azúcar rodeados por remanentes de bosque tropical caducifolio y en lugares establecidos entre los 850 y 1,200 m de altitud. Se registran 11 subfamilias, 22 tribus, 52 generos y 122 especies. La mayor diversidad corresponde a Melolonthidae (36 spp.), Dynastinae (20 spp.), Scarabaeinae (17 spp.), Aphodiinae (17 spp.) y Rutelinae (14 spp.). El 50% do las especies se encuentra en los géneros phyllophaga ( 23 spp.) Diplotaxis (11 spp.), Anomala (9 spp.), Cyclocephala c) spp) y Ataenius (10spp,) Las especies más abundantes son; Phyllophaga dentex, Ph. ravida, Ph Ienis, Ph lalanza, Ph brebidens, Ph. obsoleta. Ph. fulviventris, Ph. pruinosa. Dlplotaxi superflua, Anomala subaenea, Cyclocephala freudei y C. lunulata. Esta fauna tiene un .35% de similitud específica con Chamela, Jalisco y 33%)o de similirud específica con la región sur del estado de Morelos, y representa al 8.3% de las especies de Lamellicornia citadas para México.

COLEOPTERA LAMELLICORNIA (MACLEAY, 1819) DEL SUR DEL ESTADO DE MORELOS, MEXICO

Duranle cinco años de colectas (1 980-1 9851 en el Sur del Estado de Morelos, se obtuvieron 5,143 ejemplares de coleópteros Lamolicornios de las familias Melolonthidae, Scarabaeidae, Trogidae y Passalidae que representan a 12 subfamilias, 25 tribus, y 126 especies de los géneros: Diplotaxis, Polyphylla, Phyllophaga, Macrodactylus, Calomacraspis, Macraspis, Pehdnota. Parachrysina, Stngoderma, Anómala, Cyclocephala, Ligyrus, Strategus, Dynastes, Golofa, Hemiphileurus, Phileurus, Cotinis, Hologymnetis, Paragymnetis, Gymnetis. Euphoria, Apeltastes, Trigonopeltastes, Copris, Dichotomius, Atcuchus, Canthidium. Phanaeus, Coprophanaeus. Canthon, Pseudocanthon, Deltochinum, Onthophagus, Aphodius, Martinezia, Ataemus, Neopsammodius, Platycomus, Ceratocanthus, Bolborhombus, Ochodaeus, Omorgus, Ptichopus y Passalus. Los géneros Phyllophaga, Diplotaxis, Anómala, Euphoria, Ataenius, Onthophagus y Canchón reúnen al 53.16% del total de las especies capturadas. Anómala villosela representa el primer registro de la especie para el Estado de Morelos. De los patrones de dispersión propuestos por Halffter para la Zona de Transición Mexicana, el 53.33% de géneros y 34.92% de las especies se encuentran incluidas dentro del patrón de dispersión Neotropical Típico, el 28.88% de los géneros y 42,06% de las especies en el patrón Paleoamericano con Amplio éxito y el 17,77% de géneros y 23,01 % de las especies quedan incluidas en el patrón de dispersión del Altiplano Mexicano; a nivel genérico se muestra un claro predominio de elenientos neotropicales, pero a nivel específico el predominio corresponde a elementos paleoamericanos, debido a la gran diversidad de especies de Phyllophaga, Anómala y Onthophagus. Finalmente, se incluye una clave para separar a las especies presentes en el Sur de Morelos.

A Review of the Scientific Literature on the Biology and Distribution of the Genus Phyllophaga (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) in the Southeastern United States

A review of the scientific literature on the biology and management of Phyllophaga (Harris) in the southeastern United States indicates that at least 91 species of the genus occur in the region. Adults reportedly defoliate host plants including pines, pecans, other hardwoods, and various row crops. The immatures reside in the soil feeding within the root zone inflicting damage to pasture and turf grasses, new plantings of trees, and row crops. Economic thresholds do not exist for most crops attacked. Cultural and insecticidal tactics are generally recommended for control, but often are not economical or effective. Alternate management strategies (i.e., natural enemies, host plant resistance) have not been extensively investigated. In addition, surveys of occurrence and distribution are incomplete, out-of-date, or nonexistent for many of the southeastern states. Distribution maps and adult flight period data for selected species were compiled from available survey information.

The Scarab Beetles of Florida (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae). Part II. The May or June Beetles (Genus Phyllophaga)

The Scarab Beetles of Florida (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae). Part II. The May or June Beetles (Genus Phyllophaga)

Hunting Billbug, Sphenophorus venatus vestitus Chittenden (Insecta: Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

The hunting billbug, Sphenophorus venatus vestitus Chittenden, is a weevil that is also commonly known as the "zoysia billbug" in Florida, where it has been reported as a pest of various grasses, especially in nurseries. Billbug larva are often confused with white grubs, which is the name usually given to beetle larvae in the genus Phyllophaga, family Scarabaeidae. This document is EENY-207 (originally published as DPI Entomology Circular 45), one of a series of Featured Creatures from the Entomology and Nematology Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Published: May 2001. &#x0D; EENY207/IN364: Hunting Billbug, Sphenophorus venatus vestitus Chittenden (Insecta: Coleoptera: Curculionidae) (ufl.edu)

Some Possible Effects of the Pleistocene on the Distributions of North American Scarabaeidae (Coleoptera)

AbstractFactors, i.e., time, climate, and isolation, that have or may possibly have influenced the distribution and speciation of Scarabaeidae in North America are discussed. Specific examples of present distributional patterns in the genera Phyllophaga, Serica, Diplotaxis, Onthophagus, Geotrupes and Trox are mapped and described. A general comparison of the distributional patterns is made, and inferences are drawn concerning centers of dispersal and (or) areas of survival of the insect inhabitants of deserts and temperate forests during the various climatic changes of the Pleistocene.

Book Notice

A classification of the larvae and adults of the genus Phyllophaga (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae). By A. G. Böving