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LEPIDIOTA STIGMA |
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Review of the tribe Melolonthini in the southeastern United States CLICK FOR DOWNLOAD PDF --------------------------------- Classification Phylum Arthropoda Class Insecta Order Coleoptera Suborder Polyphaga Family Scarabaeidae Subfamily Melolonthinae Tribe Melolonthini Genus Lepidiota Species L. Stigma
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LEPIDIOTA STIGMA Sugarcane white grub Melolonthinae is the largest subfamily of Scarabaeidae, their larvae are serious soil pests eating roots and adults have strong mouthparts eating leaves and sometimes young fruits. But it is poorly defined and often being a subject of confusion for its inclusion or exclusion at various stages. Therefore, it is always essential to conduct studies regarding their taxonomical description to differentiate the particular species. This study established the current taxonomical status of four species . Melolonthinae is the largest subfamily of Scarabaeidae with 750 genera and 11000 species recorded worldwide. These are commonly called chafers (Cockchafers) with dull brown coloured beetles, rounded body with fat on surface and nocturnal in nature. The larvae are strongly curved, C-shaped and sometimes humpbacked; the pale to reddish brown head is well developed and the legs are not modified as stridulatory organs. Their larvae are serious soil pests eating roots and adults have strong mouthparts thus eat leaves and sometimes young fruits.
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