Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Cyclocephala Dejean 1821
=Aclinidia Casey 1915
=Halotosia Casey 1915
=Diapatalia Casey 1915
=Dichromina Casey 1915
=Graphalia Casey 1915
=Homochromina Casey 1915
=Isocoryna Casey 1915
=Mononidia Casey 1915
=Ochrosidia Casey 1915
=Plagiosalia Casey 1915
=Spilosota Casey 1915
=Stigmalia Casey 1915
=Aspidolites Höhne 1922
=Aspidolella Prell 1936
=Albridarollia Bolivar y Pieltain, Jiminez-Asua and Martínez 1963
=Paraclinidia Martínez 1965
Explanation of Names
Author is
Dejean, 1821. From prefix
cyclo meaning circular (from Greek
kyklos circle, wheel) plus
cephala head (Latin from Greek
kephalikos, head)--Internet searches. Common name refers to the darkened area between the eyes - "mask"
Numbers
Nearctica lists 21 species
Identification
Similar in general
habitus to many June bugs/May Beetles (
Phyllophaga), but note these characters:
(typically) pale yellow color
black head
front legs of males with a noticeably enlarged final
tarsomere (5) and enlarged inner tarsal claw
See photos showing details of tarsi and clypeus:
Range
New world - many tropical.
Food
Larvae are root feeders - many species are agricultural pests.
Life Cycle
Adults are nocturnal, attracted to lights.
Print References
Saylor, L.W. 1945. Synoptic revision of the United States scarab beetles of the subfamily Dynastinae, No. 1: Tribe Cyclocephalini. Journal of the Washington Academy of Sciences, 35(12): 378-386.
