Other Common Names
Spotted June Beetle (June Bug), Spotted Pelidnota
Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Pelidnota lutea (Casey 1915) apparently referred to southern populations with brown legs. Pelidnota brevicollis Casey.
Explanation of Names
Species name means "spotted".
Identification
Large, golden-yellow scarab with peripheral spots on pronotum and elytra. Apparently, southern (Carolinas) specimens have light brown legs, northern (Ohio and Michigan) specimens have dark legs. At one time the southern populations seem to have been referred to as Pelidnota lutea.
Range
Eastern North America, suth to northern (?) Florida, west to Nebraska.
Habitat
Deciduous forests and adjacent areas
Season
Summer (May-August, much of range). June-August (North Carolina, South Carolina).
Food
Adults feed on grape foliage, possibly fruit when available.
(1)Life Cycle
Eggs are laid on stumps and rotting logs. Larvae feed on decaying roots and stumps of trees, pupate in adjacent soil. Adults emerge May-September. Adults come to lights in mid-summer.
Print References
Papp, p. 191, fig. 651
(3)
Arnett, p. 175, fig. 429A
(4)
Milne, plate 233, account, p. 559
(5)
Harpootlian, p. 104, fig. 199
(6)
Internet References
Clemson University--South Carolina specimen, presumably
Photos from Michigan--showing dark legs of northern population. Thanks to Tony D. for noting this.
