Ten-lined June beetle

The ten-lined June beetle (Polyphylla decemlineata), also known as the watermelon beetle, is a scarab beetle found in the western United States and Canada. The adults are attracted to light and feed on foliage. They can make a hissing sound when touched or otherwise disturbed, which can resemble the hissing of a bat. This sound is made by their wings pushing down, forcing the air out between their wings and back. They can be an agricultural pest affecting a wide range of crops because their larvae feed on plant roots and can weaken or kill the plants.[1]

Ten-lined June beetle
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Family: Scarabaeidae
Genus: Polyphylla
Species:
P. decemlineata
Binomial name
Polyphylla decemlineata
(Say, 1823)

Description

They are relatively large in size, some growing to sizes as large as 1.5 inches (3 cm) or more. As in other members of this genus, the males have large distinctive antennae consisting of several lamellate plates, which they close up when threatened. The antennae are used to detect pheromones emitted by the females.[2] The wing covers (elytra) have four long white stripes and one short stripe each. The underside of the thorax is covered with brownish hairs.

Ten-lined June beetle, Coquitlam, July 26 2017.

Life cycle

Eggs: The eggs are oval, dull, and creamy. They are about 1/16 of an inch long.[3]
Larva: The grub can grow up to 2 inches with 3 pairs of legs, with a white body and brown head. The larval stage can last as long as 4 years.

References
  1. "Tenlined June beetle". Orchard Pest Management Online. Washington State University Tree Fruit Research & Extension Center. Retrieved 26 June 2012.
  2. Department of Entomology. "Ten Lined June Beetle". Washington State University. Retrieved 5 July 2013.
  3. Department of Entomology. "Ten Lined June Beetle". Washington State University. Retrieved 4 July 2017.
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