Chrysina lecontei

- No description given -

comments (9)

William Bodine

Lion

While camping in northern Arizona this beetle landed right next to me. They are very strong flyers and have a brilliant green top and a copper colored underside. They always make the young girls scream as they fly around. I've seen some kids actually put a small thread around them and fly them like a kite as they buzz around. Posted 4 years ago
1. Ferdy Christant
  
  Lion
  
  I don't think this is a Green June Beetle. From what I can see from reference images, that species is smooth, whilst on your photo it clearly had ridges. My best guess based on location and appearance is Chrysina lecontei. Feel free to get a second opinion on Chrysina lecontei though, it could be another species very close to it. Posted 4 years ago
2. 1. William Bodine
    
    Lion
    
    Wow, your powers of identification are way beyond me. I took one entomology class when tires were made of stone and square. Thanks for the info. I will look again in my Study of Insect Fourth Edition by Borror, DeLong and Triplehorn Published in 1976.
    Do you have a suggestion for text book for insects of the Southwest or specifically Arizona? Posted 4 years ago
  2. 1. Ferdy Christant
      
      Lion
      
      Thanks, but don't overestimate me. I'm not a biologist in any way, I just learned to search and get to the info I need. Thanks for double-checking with the entomology dept.
      
      Sorry, don't have a book recommendation for you, I'm not from the US myself. Posted 4 years ago
  3. William Bodine
    
    Lion
    
    I have inquired at the University of Arizona entomology dept. for verification of species. Posted 4 years ago

William Bodine

Lion

Chrysina lecontei is the confirmed species by University of Arizona Department of Entomology.

Yes, does look like Chrysina lecontei.

Here's more info on the little beast:
http://unsm-ento.unl.edu/Guide/Scarabaeoidea/Scarabaeidae/Rutelinae/Rutelinae-Tribes/Rutelini/Chrysina/Chrysina-species/C-lecontei/C-lecontei.html

https://cals.arizona.edu/crops/vegetables/advisories/more/general20.html

https://bugguide.net/node/view/134203

You can almost say they are also 'June Beetle' since it is a common name used for many species of scarab beetles.

Cheers,
Gene Hall
University of Arizona Insect Collection (Manager)
& CALS Cooperative Extension (Insect Diagnostics)
Department of Entomology Posted 4 years ago
1. Ferdy Christant
  
  Lion
  
  Thanks for the confirmation.
  
  I advise against using ambiguous names. Of course you can use them in popular language, but it's best to be as specific as we can here. The reason is that people may end up on your photo based on a search (in Google). When using an ambiguous name, they may end up at the wrong species. Not only is that confusing, they may next assume they have the right one, and copy that "error", in this way perpetuating the confusion.
  
  PS: one small tip, when you intend to reply to somebody, please use the "reply" link directly below the specific comment. This ensures the other person gets a notification, and sees your comment. Posted 4 years ago
2. 1. William Bodine
    
    Lion
    
    Thanks for the tip. Posted 4 years ago
  2. 1. Ferdy Christant
      
      Lion
      
      Welcome, and confirming I got the notification :) Posted 4 years ago