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Stethaspis

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Genus of beetles

Stethaspis
Stethaspis longicornis
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Suborder: Polyphaga
Infraorder: Scarabaeiformia
Family: Scarabaeidae
Subfamily: Melolonthinae
Genus: Stethaspis
Hope, 1837

Stethaspis is a genus of beetles in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Melolonthinae.

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.

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.

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.

Larvae of S. longicornis are eaten by Polynesian rats. Additionally, Stethaspis larvae are potential hosts for the introduced scoliid wasp Radumeris tasmaniensis, an ectoparasitoid of scarab larvae.

Life cycle

Stethaspis follow the usual beetle life cycle of egg, larva, pupa and adult. The life cycle takes two years. Adults emerge en masse in summer.

Species

Stethaspis contains the following species:

Gallery

References

  1. ^ "Stethaspis Hope, 1837". www.gbif.org. Retrieved 2023-02-14.
  2. ^ "NZ Farm Forestry - Melolonthine beetles in forests - grass grub and other chafers". www.nzffa.org.nz. Retrieved 2023-02-14.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Taonga, New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage Te Manatu. "Habitats". Retrieved 2023-02-14.
Taxon identifiers
Stethaspis
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