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...About Leaf Chafers by Mary Liz Jameson |
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...About Leaf Chafers by Mary Liz Jameson |
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The subfamily Rutelinae (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) is comprised of approximately 200 genera and approximately 4,100 species worldwide, although many taxa remain to be described. The group includes a wide array of beetles--some are metallic silver and gold (Plusiotis, Anoplognathus), some possess enlarged, horn-like mandibles (Fruhstorferia), some have enlarged hind femora (Chrysina, Heterosternus), and many are small, obscure beetles (such as species in the genus Anomala, one of the largest genera in the Animal
Kingdom that includes well over 1,000 species). Adult rutelines are phytophagous and feed on leaves, flowers, or flower parts. Larvae feed on roots and decaying vegetation. Some taxa, such as Popillia japonica, Phyllopertha species, and Anomala species, are occasionally agricultural pests. Some rutelines, such as the well-known genus Plusiotis, are fairly easily identified and are sometimes used as habitat indicators in conservation studies. To view images of rutelines available on the web, or to learn about Team Scarab and the art of scarab collecting, see the following sites (remember to use the back arrow of your browser to return): |
Comments or suggestions? Contact Mary Liz Jameson, ruteline specialist (email: mjameson@unlinfo.unl.edu); Natalia J. Vandenberg, project coordinator & web designer (email: nvandenb@sel.barc.usda.gov); or Nancy Adams, curator in-charge of Scarabaeidae (email:adams.nancy@nmnh.si.edu). Document created July 1997; updated June 1998 and September 1998; last updated June 2001; last reviewed October 2008  |
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