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[edit]
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[edit]
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[edit]
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[edit]
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[edit]
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Underside of a different S. suturalis
References[edit]
- ^ a b "Stethaspis Hope, 1837". www.gbif.org. Retrieved 2023-02-14.
- ^ a b c d "NZ Farm Forestry - Melolonthine beetles in forests - grass grub and other chafers". www.nzffa.org.nz. Retrieved 2023-02-14.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Taonga, New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage Te Manatu. "Habitats". Retrieved 2023-02-14.