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Type: Article
Published: 2013-10-22
Page range: 101–142
Abstract views: 52
PDF downloaded: 4

The genus Phyllophaga Harris (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Melolonthinae) in the Colombian Andean Mountains

Departamento de Producción Agropecuaria, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias-Universidad de Caldas. A.A. 275. Manizales, Colombia
Laboratorio de Entomología, Instituto de Biología, Universidad de Antioquia, A.A. 1278. Medellín, Colombia
Coleoptera Scarabaeidae Melolonthinae Phyllophaga white grubs Colombia

Abstract

The number of species in the genus Phyllophaga Harris (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Melolonthinae) in Colombia is updated to 33. This group represents one of the most common components of the “white grubs” complex, known to damage important agricultural crops, especially in the Colombian Andean Mountains. A commented taxonomic history of the genus is provided, including five new records for the country (P. schizorhina, P. onoreana, P. densata, P. guanacasteca, and P. gigantea) and Phyllophaga tesorito is described as a new species. A key to the identification of male specimens of 30 species is included with a catalogue illustrating their key structures. Finally, aspects related to their ecological importance, geographic distribution, and phenology are discussed.