Stethaspis
| Stethaspis | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Stethaspis longicornis | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Clade: | Pancrustacea |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Coleoptera |
| Suborder: | Polyphaga |
| Infraorder: | Scarabaeiformia |
| Family: | Scarabaeidae |
| Subfamily: | Melolonthinae |
| Genus: | Stethaspis Hope, 1837 |
Stethaspis is a genus of beetles in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Sericoidinae.[1]
Description
[edit]Like other Melolonthinae, adult Stethaspis are oval and robust in shape. The antennae are relatively short and have the last few segments flattened and finger-like. The elytra leave the end of the abdomen exposed. Stethaspis are green in colour and range from 13 to 24 mm in length.[2]
Larvae are creamy white with a prominent head, relatively large legs and a darkened posterior end (this darkening is due to the gut contents showing through the body wall). The body is curled up into a C-shape. When mature, Stethaspis larvae can be up to 45 mm long.[2]
Ecology
[edit]Similar to other melolonthines, Stethaspis beetles feed on plant foliage as adults and plant roots as larvae. Adults are known to damage Douglas fir.[2]
Larvae of S. longicornis are eaten by Polynesian rats.[3] Additionally, Stethaspis larvae are potential hosts for the introduced scoliid wasp Radumeris tasmaniensis, an ectoparasitoid of scarab larvae.[4]
Life cycle
[edit]Stethaspis follow the usual beetle life cycle of egg, larva, pupa and adult. The life cycle takes two years.[2] Adults emerge en masse in summer.[5]
Species
[edit]Stethaspis contains the following species:[1]
Gallery
[edit]
Underside of a different S. suturalis
References
[edit]- 1 2 "Stethaspis Hope, 1837". www.gbif.org. Retrieved 2023-02-14.
- 1 2 3 4 "NZ Farm Forestry - Melolonthine beetles in forests - grass grub and other chafers". www.nzffa.org.nz. Retrieved 2023-02-14.
- ↑ CAMPBELL, D. J.; MOLLER, H.; RAMSAY, G. W.; WATT, J. C. (1984). "Observations on Foods of Kiore (Rattus Exulans) Found in Husking Stations on Northern Offshore Islands of New Zealand". New Zealand Journal of Ecology. 7: 131–138. ISSN 0110-6465. JSTOR 24052709.
- ↑ Barratt, B.I.P.; Willoughby, B.E.; Wilson, D.; Booth, A.M. (2002-08-01). "The yellow flower wasp Radumeris tasmaniensis Saussure (Hymenoptera Scoliidae) potential threat to New Zealand native fauna". New Zealand Plant Protection. 55: 25–29. doi:10.30843/nzpp.2002.55.3908. ISSN 1179-352X.
- ↑ Taonga, New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage Te Manatu. "Habitats". Retrieved 2023-02-14.