GRAPEVINE BEETLE
Pelidnota punctata
SCARAB BEETLE FAMILY (Scarabaeidae)
The Grapevine Beetle is a member of the scarab beetle family (see general family description). The C-shaped larvae, called grubs, are always pale yellow or white. The adult of this species is dull orange with four distinct spots on each side of its body. It is approximately 4/5 inch in length.
Both adults and larvae are nocturnal. This beetle commonly flies to lights at night in midsummer. Adults eat mostly the leaves of grape while larvae feed in decaying stumps of the rich soil in proximity to rotting wood. This beetle is common east of the Rocky mountains. Its occurrence in Fontenelle Forest is not known.
The grapevine beetle is a member of the subfamily Rutelinae of the Scarab beetle family. These are also known as shining leaf chafers. The life cycle of this beetle is about 2 years.
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