Stethaspis

Stethaspis is a genus of beetles in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Melolonthinae.[1]

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

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
  • Stethaspis suturalis
    Stethaspis suturalis
  • Underside of a different S. suturalis
    Underside of a different S. suturalis

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.
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