Species Polyphylla barbata - Mount Hermon June Beetle

Barbate Scarab Beetle

Polyphylla barbata Cazier 1938

Santa Cruz Co., CA: Localized in the Zayante Sandhills habitat of the Santa Cruz Mountains, in the vicinity of Mt. Hermon and Scotts Valley.

The Santa Cruz Mountains, while mostly covered in dense forests, have scattered patches of very sandy soils derived from the sandstones (and lesser amounts of limestones) of the Santa Margarita formation (largely Miocene shoreline deposits). These sandy patches form the substrate for a distinctive habitat known as the "Zayante Sand Hills", with interspersed chaparral, sandy open areas, and relatively sparse woodlands. The Zayante Sand Hills provide the primary, if not the only, habitat for Polyphylla barbata, as well as a number of other endemic insects and plants.

Jun-Jul (BG data)

Federally listed January, 1997 as an Endangered Species. on California's "Special Animals" List. (1)

The primary threats have been sand mining and urban development. At the time of listing [Jan 1997] it was estimated that 60% of the sand hills habitat had been disturbed. Of the remaining habitable areas, nearly two-thirds is unprotected (i.e. privately owned). The majority of known localities of the Mt. Hermon June Beetle are in close proximity to active sand mines. Though continued use of this habitat by mining companies will require some habitat restoration and revegetation, it is questionable whether true restoration is possible. Protection of remaining habitat should be the primary goal.

Species Page - Essig Museum, UC, Berkeley

Mt Hermon June Beetle page - California Beetle Project web site, Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History

Mt Hermon June Beetle page - Zayante Sandhills Conservation Bank

Summary info page from the Santa Cruz Public Library.

PDF for US Fish and Wildlife document on determination of endangered status for Polyphylla barbata...lots of detailed info (including a species description).