#polyphylla decemlineata

[dailybugfacts]

Do you have any good facts about watermelon beetles (my scarab)

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TODAY'S FACT IS

Did you know that the Watermelon Beetle (Polyphylla decemlineata) is also called a ten-lined june beetle? This is because they have 10 white stripes running down their elytra.

The larvae can cause problems in fields or farms if their numbers get out of control because the grubs voraciously eat plant roots. Certain wasps and flies will parisitize them and many birds will just scoop them up too so they shouldn't be that much of a concern in most cases.

The adults will make a hissing sound as a defense mechanism to scare away potential predators.

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Photo by Kim Wagner on iNaturalist

[amalgamcorps]

lil bug i made fo mah friend... wiggle that bug butt! go go go go!

[headinthebox]

Polyphylla decemlineata, ten line june beetle. This specimen is a male; you can tell by the size of the antennae. I am currently rehydrating this little man and will be suspending him in a dome.

[animalids]

Ten-lined June beetle (Polyphylla decemlineata)

Photo by Marlin Harms

[staywild-wolfchild]

Park friends ♡

[poquitachalupa]

baby's first bug pin! can't wait to see how this handsome guy turns out once he's dry

(don't say anything about my phone's shitty camera, i know.)

[collectiveofanimals]

Ten-Lined June Beetle

Polyphylla decemlineata

Polyphylla translates into many-leaf, while decemlineata translates into ten-lined.

Family: Scarabaeidae (Scarab Beetle)

Fun Fact: Adults are most commonly seen in June and early July. They can be attracted to artificial lights. (Source)

Habitat: They are endemic to forests and sand dunes of North America (from Canada as far south as Central America).

Ecosystem Role: They help break down foliage and roots, and providing nutrient-rich frass (insect poop) to the environment.

[collectiveofanimals]

Ten-lined June Beetle or Watermelon Beetle by Sandy Paiement Via Flickr: