Biology:Stethaspis
| Stethaspis | |
|---|---|
| |
| Stethaspis longicornis | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Coleoptera |
| Family: | Scarabaeidae |
| Subfamily: | Melolonthinae |
| Genus: | Stethaspis Hope, 1837 |
Stethaspis is a genus of beetles in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Melolonthinae.[1]
Description
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
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
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
Stethaspis contains the following species:[1]
- Stethaspis convexa
- Stethaspis discoidea
- Stethaspis intermediata
- Stethaspis lineata
- Stethaspis longicornis
- Stethaspis prasinus
- Stethaspis pulchra
- Stethaspis simmondsi
- Stethaspis suturalis
Gallery
Stethaspis suturalis
Underside of a different S. suturalis
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Stethaspis Hope, 1837" (in en). https://www.gbif.org/en/species/4993582.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "NZ Farm Forestry - Melolonthine beetles in forests - grass grub and other chafers". https://www.nzffa.org.nz/farm-forestry-model/the-essentials/forest-health-pests-and-diseases/Pests/Melolonthine/melolonthine-beetles-in-forests---grass-grub-and-other-chafers/.
- ↑ 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. https://www.jstor.org/stable/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. https://nzpps.org/_journal/index.php/nzpp/article/view/3908.
- ↑ Taonga, New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage Te Manatu. "Habitats" (in en). https://teara.govt.nz/en/beetles/page-4.
Wikidata ☰ Q14862420 entry
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