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Stethaspis
Genus of beetles From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Stethaspis is a genus of beetles in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Melolonthinae.[1]
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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]
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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
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