COLEOPTERA: Scarabaeidae

This family of beetles (family Scarabaeidae) is frequently encountered in central Illinois. Worldwide, there are over 30,000 described species.

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Cyclocephala borealis Arrow, 1911 is often encountered in central Illinois. Northern masked chafer is the common name for this species. Adults typically do not eat, but their larvae often eat plant roots near the soil surface. This species is often considered a pest of turf and some crops (due to the larval feeding habits).

Macrodactylus angustatus (Palisot de Beauvois, 1805). 116 species are known in the genus Macrodactylus. Adults often fly in June and July in central Illinois. They are attracted to lights at night. This specimen was collected in Peoria Co., Illinois by Mark DuBois.

Phanaeus vindex Macleay, 1819 is more commonly encountered in southern Illinois. The specimen displayed was collected by Jeff Prill in Mason County, Illinois. The common name for this species is rainbow scarab.

Phyllophaga crenulata (Frölich, 1792) is often encountered in central Illinois. The specimen displayed was collected by Mark DuBois in Peoria County, Illinois. Many people refer to this (and related species) as May (or June) beetles (bugs).

Popillia japonica Newman, 1841 is frequently encountered in central Illinois. The common name for this species is Japanese beetle. The U.S. first record of this invasive species is from 1916 (New Jersey). Adult beetles damage plants by feeding on the leaves (leaving only the leaf veins); larvae feed on the roots of various grasses. This specimen was collected by Mark DuBois in Marshall Co., Illinois.